Agencies take next step to support wellbeing
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Community collaboration has led to an online resource to help people tackle mental health issues.
Social Services Waimakariri, Together Hurunui and the Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils have joined forces to create the nextsteps.org.nz website, which brings together information about North Canterbury’s social services.
Waimakariri District Council community development facilitator Rachel Thornton said the new online resource came out of the Covid-19
experience.
The website built on the Ministry for Social Development funded community connector service, known locally as the next steps facilitator service, she said.
‘‘After Covid there were a number of vulnerable people and the challenge we had was how do we get information out to them.’’
The website allowed people to help themselves to take the next steps to improve their mental wellbeing.
‘‘Those of us who work in the social service sector, we know who the counsellors are, but the general public doesn’t necessarily know, so how do we make it easy for them?’’
Social Services Waimakariri facilitator Nicki Carter said the website showcased all of the social service and community organisations serving the North Canterbury area.
It was designed to avoid duplication and to use resources more efficiently.
‘‘In the Waimakariri we are national leaders in this space, so it is definitely a concept which might get picked up elsewhere in the country.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the new website was a great resource for the community.
‘‘While the initial shock of Covid-19 is gone we know this will not be the last event our country faces and it is important we learn from previous events.
"Having all this information in one place, with support specific to North Canterbury, is a fantastic resource and I applaud all our communities’ providers for working together to make this happen.
‘‘The information is non-threatening, accessible and provided in an empowering way that will connect with a lot of our residents when they need support.’’
The website posed questions to direct people to the help they needed and was entirely online and anonymous, Thornton said.
It begins by asking if you are in immediate danger (call 111) or just need to talk (call / text 1737).
The website has sections including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, economic and business, and family and social.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
-
46.7% Yes - we like to be prepared
-
43.3% Nah
-
10% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
