What are indicators and how are they being used.
An indicator is something that helps us to understand where we are, which way we are going and how far we are from where we want to be. Indicators summarise complex information into key measures so that we can understand what's happening. Indicators are used by local authorities in the Waikato Region to track progress against stated goals and objectives derived from consultation with the community, referred to as community outcomes.
The following indicators were selected from over 200 initial indicators identified by the monitoring and reporting community outcomes (MARCO) team as potentially suitable to measure the regional community outcomes (see www.choosingfutures.co.nz).
The following MARCO indicator set was selected based on:
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Regional relevance (workshop 15 November 2005 - Community Outcomes Working Group).
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Local relevance (survey of all Waikato district/city councils - through Strategic Planners Network).
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Technical evaluation (measurability, cost effectiveness, understandability - MARCO team)
This MARCO indicator set forms the basis for the ongoing gathering and collation of data, the production of a Benchmark Indicator Data Report (June 2006) and annually updated data analysis reports.
In addition to the MARCO indicator set, councils collate and report on other indicators relevant to their communities. A list of all the indicators used by the 12 councils in the Waikato region is compiled in the Waikato Indicators (156 kb, 22 seconds to download, 56k modem) table, together with some national indicators.
Data availability varies considerably. While at least some data are available for most indicators, for some indicators data have not yet been collected. Some indicators also need further work to identify the data that needs to be gathered. Work will also continue on those indicators that were not included in the core set, although having a lower priority. This includes investigating data availability, collating existing data, identifying any gaps and undertaking further work to refine indicators.
The MARCO team has been formed to develop co-ordinated procedures for monitoring progress towards the achievement of community coutcomes.
The team includes representatives from local authorities, central government and the Waikato District Health Board.
Note: The above table does not include Maori/iwi indicators. These are currently being developed by Tai Ranga Whenua (Environment Waikato) and Kowhai Consulting Ltd. for the outcome themes of: Maori heritage, regional identity and pride, bicultural partnerships, Tikanga Maori, Treaty of Waitangi, unique status of tangata whenua, Maori housing, Maori social well-being , Maori economic prosperity and air, land and water quality.
(*) These indicators include a breakdown into Maori/non-Maori population.