Council considers the provision of good quality recreational facilities for the community to be important to social, cultural and environmental wellbeing. It provides facilities that give a variety of recreation opportunities including exploration of the District’s landscapes, waterways and culturally significant sites as well as participation in a broad range of organised sports.
Waipa District’s libraries play a key role in our cultural fulfilment, as well as the development of the community and individuals, while the museums reflect a sense of heritage that is synonymous with the District.
Some of Waipa District’s facilities and natural features are nationally and internationally significant such as Lake Karapiro (venue for the 2010 Rowing World Championship) and the peat lakes, and are great tourist attractions.
The Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, provided in association with the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT), provides recreational and biodiversity benefits with several endangered species now located within the pest proof fence perimeter. It also provides a rich educational resource which is used by schools from across the Waikato Region.
Parks and Reserves Operators – keeping our parks and reserves beautiful.
The District’s parks and reserves contribute to the sense of community pride and the results of the annual NRB satisfaction survey consistently reflect this.
Council’s reserve types include:
Premier reserves – provide a high quality experience in key locations, such as Karapiro domain
Conservation reserves – provide for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and allow for low impact recreation use.
Sports reserves – provide for a wide range of physical activities and sports, such as Albert Park and Park Road Sports in Te Awamutu, Leamington Domain and the Cambridge green belt.
Neighbourhood and amenity reserves – provided in urban communities to enhance the environment, provide recreational opportunities and walkway and cycle linkages.
Council manages 124 parks and reserves covering a total area in excess of 3,500ha. Of this nearly 2,800ha is made up 16 conservation reserves. There are 16 sports parks, 33 neighbourhood parks and 41 general amenity parks. There are also four premier reserves.
Parks and reserves are provided by Council to deliver a range of benefits, including:
The availability of open space in urban areas for the community to participate in activities with their families and neighbours
Beautification and amenity enhancement
Opportunities for recreation and sport and children’s play
Protection of the natural environment and wildlife habitats
Stormwater management, such as the swale system in Cambridge North
The District has a strong sporting presence in both land and water sports. Waipa is ‘the Home of Champions’ and this is reflected in the quality of our facilities. These features are important in attracting people to live in and visit the District, they are central to being a great place to live, work and play.
Libraries – Librarian, Library Assistant
There are two Council owned and operated libraries within the District, located in Te Awamutu and Cambridge. The two libraries hold approximately 140,000 books and 10,000 other items such as CDs and DVDs.
Demand for library services can be affected by technological advances and the increased public expectations that this brings. For example, a new library system was implemented in 2007 that allows library users to renew their books via the internet, as well as using other features such as checking the library catalogue and putting books on hold. Changes in the population structure, including an increasing proportion of the population over 65, may also affect demand for services.
Museums and Heritage – Registrar, Curator, Archivist
There are two museums in the District, located in Te Awamutu and Cambridge. The museums collect material that relates to the history, society, culture and the development of Waipa District. The collections at the museums include objects, photographs, maps, taonga Māori and archival material. This includes some nationally significant items. In addition, Te Awamutu Museum is a registered archival repository.
A range of services are provided including research, education for primary and secondary schools, an increasing variety of public programmes and workshops and changing displays and exhibitions.
With community involvement in establishing education and exhibition programmes and the planned enhancement of interactive online (internet) facilities, Council expects growth in the number of physical visitors to each museum and also the number of virtual visitors via the internet.
If you are interested in any of these careers and would like further information, please contact a member of our HR Team on 0800 924 723 or email jobs@waipadc.govt.nz
Happy Career!