New Waimakariri trust supports community wellbeing

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

A community effort is bringing the wellbeing of residents to the fore.

The Waiora Links Community Trust was launched at a lunch at the Woodend Community Centre last week, thanks to the support of the Waimakariri District Council and local community organisations.

The trust aimed to support community wellbeing in the growing Woodend, Ravenswood, Pegasus and Waikuku communities by running free events to help residents to connect.

Chairperson Ronel Stephens said the idea came out of the monthly community cuppa she started at Pegasus five years ago.

A regular 'community cuppa' has been started in Ravenswood and she hoped similar social events will start up in Woodend and Waikuku soon.
‘‘The cuppas have brought out the social needs," she said.

‘‘We want to create other events and we don’t know what they will look like, but they will have a social connection.’’

She said it could be public forums on current issues, get-togethers or, for those who are socially isolated, organising outings or playing board games.

While Stephens provided baking, Rangiora’s Hope Community Trust provided crockery, cutlery and fruit platters, New World Ravenswood sponsored the ham and salads, and Satisfy Food Rescue provided food.

Local caterer Jenny Dodd cooked the lunch and the table arrangements came from local gardens.

Stephens said the idea for the name Waiora Links came from former Waimakariri mayor David Ayers, as the Waiora Stream links with other water ways in the area.

Mayor Dan Gordon congratulated the volunteers for putting it all together.

‘‘It is fantastic. It is a great initiative and it will bring community together. I have known about it from the outset and anything which helps to strengthen community is something I will support.’’

Waimakariri MP and Opposition Mental Health Spokesperson Matt Doocey was invited to launch the new trust.

‘‘Waimakariri is a great place to live, work and play, and it comes down to the people who make the place.

"It is quite exciting that people want to live here, but we don’t necessarily know the people living in your street, so by bringing people together and allowing them to connect helps to improve mental health outcomes and also improves physical health.’’

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