How Te Pou Matariki Came About
The first Village Plan was developed in 1993 by the National Park Village Progressive Association Incorporated (NPVPAI). Over the last three decades, the focus of this plan has been advocating to Council for improved infrastructure (primarily roads and footpaths), the management of the community hall on Carroll Street, and the development of walking and cycling trails in and around the village. The village is indebted to the commitment and mahi (work) of the Progressive Association over the years.
On 31 May 2023 the Ōwhango National Park Community Board approved the development of a new town revitalisation plan by, and for, National Park Village, which was to be based on an inclusive, community-wide engagement process to understand the aspirations and priorities of today’s village community.
Consultation with the community was held over a month in July and August 2023.
A plan was drafted based on all the community input and then the Steering Group sought further feedback on the draft plan at the end of May 2024. That feedback helped to finalise the plan for adoption by the Ōwhango National Park Community Board on 1 October 2024.
