There's a Valentine's Day invitation going out today from the Historic Village at 17^th Avenue.

It doesn't want flowers, chocolates or dinner for two; it just wants a little attention.

Be my valentine, Robin with village staff and visitors.

Robin van der Breggen hopes the village's Valentine's Day appeal will see more people turn up for a tour of the village after work today and a public meeting about its future.

Tours start at 5pm, with the meeting following from 6pm in the Village Hall.

The villagers want public support and submissions on the strategic plan for the village which is open for public input until the end of the month.

'This is an exciting opportunity to get involved, have your say and help shape and secure the future of the village,” says Robin.

A project steering group was established in February 2011 to determine the village's strengths, weaknesses and how it could be secured as an ongoing, sustainable asset for the next generation.

The Draft Historic Village Strategy 2012-2022 is the result, setting out the vision, goals and direction for the next 10 years.

The strategy recommends the village be retained as an activity of council with six goals to guide the development of a ‘master plan' to realise this vision over the next 10 years.

The intention is to encourage the village as a community place that welcomes a range of community groups who provide services for Tauranga residents, while being supported by an active trading and visitor experience.

The details are in the strategy, which Robin wants the public to look at, discuss and make submissions on.

To view the strategy and make an online submission, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/have-your-say/

'Today the village is still a vibrant historic hub in our community.

'It is home to a diverse range of community organisations and commercial enterprises, providing social, leisure and health services for all aspects of our society,” says Robin.

'The village has also evolved to become a focal point for community and cultural activities such as the amazing Jazz Festival, Multicultural Festival and even managed to deliver snow to the Mid-Winter Christmas Market.

'Each of these dimensions give the village a uniqueness that needs to be developed further to secure the future of this resource for us all to enjoy for years to come.”