Mental health advocate wins $10,000 for work supporting first responders
A woman has won $10,000 to go towards her efforts to set up a mental health homestead for first responders.
Takapuna resident Rebecca Nelson’s charity Te Kiwi Maia envisions a place where first responders can go to feel supported and access therapy.
The 33-year-old has been recognised in the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes community grants program for her work.
Te Kiwi Maia was born 18 months ago while Nelson was visiting the UK.
“I went to an establishment called Tedworth Health, a beautiful place over there where one of my dear friends actually went to get some help,” she said.
“It had everything you required as a veteran, music therapy, animal therapy, it had lots of art, and families could go and stay there too.”
Nelson, who is a member of the New Zealand Navy, questioned why similar support was absent back home.
She has teamed up with first responders like the army, airforce, navy, police, ambulance and firefighters to make it a reality.
“Our aim is to get a homestead or a working farm here in NZ, so there our people who are currently serving or are ex-service can go to get the therapy they require due to wounded injured or ill through line of duty,” she said.
While fundraising continues for the homestead, Nelson will start taking away first responders for a week of respite.
She is working with Massey University to create a programme that is based around people’s needs.
“A lot of veterans are relieved excited. I know there’s a lot of them who have potentially gone through stages of their careers where they would have liked to take some time out and to decompress from whatever the situation was that they witnessed,” she said.
“It’s about time, they’ve been saying, and they’re really glad that we’re collaborating to make this happen.”
Re 1/2 Day Yoga Retreat - Glow Reiki & Yoga Mini Retreat
GLOW – YOGA & REIKI MINI RETREAT
For the Mind, Body, and Soul
Step into a transformative retreat designed to help you reconnect with your inner radiance through a harmonious blend of restorative and yin yoga, meditative practices, and the gentle, balancing energy of Reiki healing. Discover a holistic approach to peace as you engage in guided breathing exercises, soothing yoga postures, and a powerful group Reiki healing circle.
This retreat offers a nurturing experience, blending the calming effects of yoga, the energy healing of Reiki, and mindful practices that nourish the entire being. Throughout the retreat, you'll enjoy nourishing food, thoughtfully prepared to fuel your body and support your journey toward balance and renewal. Experience the uplifting benefits of essential oils, enhancing your relaxation and clarity, and engage in reflective journaling sessions to deepen your self-awareness and process your journey.
Each component is thoughtfully crafted to release tension, realign your body, and open pathways for emotional and energetic renewal. Embrace a nurturing space where you can let go of stress and restore your mind, body, and soul balance. With the gentle touch of Reiki healing, experience the cleansing of your energy centers, leaving you refreshed, centered, and truly glowing from within.
Optional Add-ons (available for an additional cost – enquire upon booking):
Personalised Reiki (10-15 minutes per person)
Accommodation at the Spencer on Byron Hotel
Detoxing treatments, massage, red light therapy, oxygen chamber, or IV vitamins by Boost IV
Details:
Date: Saturday the 7th December
Location: Boost IV, 24 Bracken Ave, Takapuna, Auckland
Duration: 4.5 hours to relax, reset, and reconnect
Start time: 9.30am
Cost: $170 (includes refreshments and lunch)
Parking: Available onsite
Date: Saturday the 7th November
Ready to Glow?
Secure your spot in this intimate retreat—spaces are limited to ensure each attendee receives the care and attention they deserve.
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.4% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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