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THE King Country is such a wonderful place to live. We are not only characterised by our lush green pastures and plentiful resources, but also by our tight-knit communities that focus on uplifting one another.
Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting many Te Kūiti-based community groups that help make our district so great.
One of my highlights was meeting with Desiree Brown and her team from the Te Kūiti Community House Trust and witnessing first-hand the support they provide the community.
Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, this fantastic organisation functions as a community hub by partnering with different groups that offer beneficial services that sit outside the general scope of council aid.
It was here that I had the privilege of sharing morning tea with the Grandparents Whanui Support Group and hear about the vital support they provide each other in raising extended family.
Circumstances can be challenging and the space to share, to give and receive practical support are just a handful of the benefits this group provides.
It was truly inspiring to witness the strength and resilience upheld by these families and to see how these groups function as grounding pillars in our communities.
During these visits, it became strongly apparent that locally-led initiatives are more appropriate, sustainable and successful.
In acknowledgement, late last year, Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Social Development and Employment and newly appointed deputy prime minister, announced the Social Sector Commissioning Action Plan; a six-year plan designed to cultivate faster, clearer and more effective delivery of social support.
“These changes mean [support services] can be sustainable, less focused on paperwork and competition for funding, and more focused on supporting the communities with more flexibility in responding to the unique and diverse needs of those accessing their services,” Sepuloni said.
Social services that are responsive, whānau-centred and community led, will be better equipped to understand the unique circumstances of each family and provide appropriate welfare support.
The King Country is a beautiful, unique and connected place to call home. Te Kūiti’s community groups have very committed teams of volunteers that not only work very closely with one another, but also with neighbouring towns such as Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu.
We can be thankful for our strong volunteer organisations, such as our local Citizen’s Advice Bureau offices, to help us connect those who can help with those who need it.
No matter your location, our community ensures you have the support you need.
