Stakeholder Engagement

strategy stakeholder workshop - 7 November 2025

The first step in the strategy development process, undertaken in July 2025, involved initial engagement with community stakeholders.

An online survey was sent to approximately 80 community groups, including organisations, societies and companies across the district. The survey was open from 16 July to 24 August and received 25 submissions, along with 13 additional responses to the question: “What is the main contribution of arts, culture and heritage to the district?” The responses to this question are presented below:

24 August, 2025

Sarndra says:

Integrating arts and culture enhances our unique identity as a community. It supports, reflects and celebrates our diverse perspectives.

24 August, 2025

Selwyn says:

Arts, culture and heritage help communities make sense of their world, understand where they have come from, and where they are going.

24 August, 2025

JENNY says:

Arts Culture & Hertiage within a community create diversity & opportunity to connect & learn, they are essential for wellbeing & creativity

24 August, 2025

Jules.Luxton123 says:

Historic buildings help to tell our story of the past that has lead us to today. They add interest and diversity to our landscapes.

22 August, 2025

Don says:

The artistic, cultural and even spiritual aspects of our community relate directly to the wellbeing of our people. Essential for our health!

22 August, 2025

Don McLeod says:

The artistic, cultural and even spiritual aspects of our community relate directly to the wellbeing of our people. Essential for our health!

22 August, 2025

Deborah Lambert says:

Arts and Culture are fundamental for, not only the past but the "building blocks" for the future of our community, .

14 August, 2025

Jan says:

Arts & Culture are the fabric of any community. Getting people of any age involved is extremely beneficial to health and well-being.

10 August, 2025

Beginu says:

Educates people about the history of this district. Helps in the conservation of important works of art or Heritage. Need to do more here

4 August, 2025

Percy Tilialo says:

In a diverse community like Ashburton, music, art, culture, and heritage play a vital role in connecting people.

24 July, 2025

Farbyr says:

Provides opportunities for social connection, collaboration, and cultural understanding, leading to a more diverse, vibrant community

17 July, 2025

Kate B-S says:

Our culture is the definition of who we are. Ashburton is made from a diverse group of people and should be celebrated far and wide.

16 July, 2025

Kate says:

Opens minds. Enriches life. Helps us to see other people, cultures and issues in a new light.

14 July, 2025

FVandervalk says:

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso

24 August, 2025

Sarndra says:

Integrating arts and culture enhances our unique identity as a community. It supports, reflects and celebrates our diverse perspectives.

24 August, 2025

Selwyn says:

Arts, culture and heritage help communities make sense of their world, understand where they have come from, and where they are going.

24 August, 2025

JENNY says:

Arts Culture & Hertiage within a community create diversity & opportunity to connect & learn, they are essential for wellbeing & creativity

24 August, 2025

Jules.Luxton123 says:

Historic buildings help to tell our story of the past that has lead us to today. They add interest and diversity to our landscapes.

22 August, 2025

Don says:

The artistic, cultural and even spiritual aspects of our community relate directly to the wellbeing of our people. Essential for our health!

22 August, 2025

Don McLeod says:

The artistic, cultural and even spiritual aspects of our community relate directly to the wellbeing of our people. Essential for our health!

22 August, 2025

Deborah Lambert says:

Arts and Culture are fundamental for, not only the past but the "building blocks" for the future of our community, .

14 August, 2025

Jan says:

Arts & Culture are the fabric of any community. Getting people of any age involved is extremely beneficial to health and well-being.

10 August, 2025

Beginu says:

Educates people about the history of this district. Helps in the conservation of important works of art or Heritage. Need to do more here

4 August, 2025

Percy Tilialo says:

In a diverse community like Ashburton, music, art, culture, and heritage play a vital role in connecting people.

24 July, 2025

Farbyr says:

Provides opportunities for social connection, collaboration, and cultural understanding, leading to a more diverse, vibrant community

17 July, 2025

Kate B-S says:

Our culture is the definition of who we are. Ashburton is made from a diverse group of people and should be celebrated far and wide.

16 July, 2025

Kate says:

Opens minds. Enriches life. Helps us to see other people, cultures and issues in a new light.

14 July, 2025

FVandervalk says:

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso