Our latest news...
Changes and opportunities within our team
19/9/24
After an exceptional decade of service, Nicky Patterson will be concluding her role as Manager of Te Kauwhata Community House at the end of this year. She will leave a wonderful legacy in the organisation, but has decided it’s now time for her to focus on her next chapter as Nana and adventurer.
Many of you will know Nicky, as we do, as a woman with a huge heart for our community, a fabulous laugh and a diligent approach to her work. She has achieved many things for the organisation over the years, most recently the purchase of our electric vehicle for the medical transport service. She is well loved by our team and clients alike. She is a Senior Financial Mentor and Supervisor. One of her great passions in the role has been coordination of the Counselling service, and the care and protection of people when they are at their most vulnerable. While we are sad to see her go, we know Nicky will continue to serve Te Kauwhata in her many other roles with emergency services, civil defence and her family business ventures. We know she will also continue many of the treasured relationships she has grown over these last 10 years.
Coincidentally, we are also about to lose our lovely Lynnhe Herbert, as her family are relocating closer to their wider whaanau. Lynnhe has been with us as a Community House Assistant for just 3 years but in that short time she has made a significant contribution to the organisation and the people in it. Lynnhe has a wise and gentle presence. She heads our Coffee and Computers service, our Cancer Support Group and has a lead role in daily accounting and record keeping processes. She recently stepped up to lead the team for 6 weeks while Nicky was on leave. We are sorry to see Lynnhe go but support her in the right decision for her family.
We make sure you all have the opportunity to celebrate Nicky and Lynnhe with us before they leave. In the meantime, we have two sparkling new opportunities for the right people to join our team. There are many more of us still deeply committed to the organisation and ready to welcome the right candidates to these roles. We’d love to hear from anyone own who shares our vision of “a connected community encouraging wellness in people and place” and who feels they might have the skills and disposition for one of these roles. Contact [email protected] for more information. Apply at www.seek.org.nz
Position Description - Community House Manager
Position Description - Community House Assistant
Applications close October 18 2024
After an exceptional decade of service, Nicky Patterson will be concluding her role as Manager of Te Kauwhata Community House at the end of this year. She will leave a wonderful legacy in the organisation, but has decided it’s now time for her to focus on her next chapter as Nana and adventurer.
Many of you will know Nicky, as we do, as a woman with a huge heart for our community, a fabulous laugh and a diligent approach to her work. She has achieved many things for the organisation over the years, most recently the purchase of our electric vehicle for the medical transport service. She is well loved by our team and clients alike. She is a Senior Financial Mentor and Supervisor. One of her great passions in the role has been coordination of the Counselling service, and the care and protection of people when they are at their most vulnerable. While we are sad to see her go, we know Nicky will continue to serve Te Kauwhata in her many other roles with emergency services, civil defence and her family business ventures. We know she will also continue many of the treasured relationships she has grown over these last 10 years.
Coincidentally, we are also about to lose our lovely Lynnhe Herbert, as her family are relocating closer to their wider whaanau. Lynnhe has been with us as a Community House Assistant for just 3 years but in that short time she has made a significant contribution to the organisation and the people in it. Lynnhe has a wise and gentle presence. She heads our Coffee and Computers service, our Cancer Support Group and has a lead role in daily accounting and record keeping processes. She recently stepped up to lead the team for 6 weeks while Nicky was on leave. We are sorry to see Lynnhe go but support her in the right decision for her family.
We make sure you all have the opportunity to celebrate Nicky and Lynnhe with us before they leave. In the meantime, we have two sparkling new opportunities for the right people to join our team. There are many more of us still deeply committed to the organisation and ready to welcome the right candidates to these roles. We’d love to hear from anyone own who shares our vision of “a connected community encouraging wellness in people and place” and who feels they might have the skills and disposition for one of these roles. Contact [email protected] for more information. Apply at www.seek.org.nz
Position Description - Community House Manager
Position Description - Community House Assistant
Applications close October 18 2024
You are all invited to our Annual General Meeting 2024
Farmer's Lunch Success
5 July 2024
Our team enjoyed a lovely lunch with farmers and rural residents at Waerenga Hall. This event launched our Rural Wellbeing Project designed to encourage conversations about mental health amongst our rural communities. This project is funded by Waikato Farmers Trust.
We thank Farm Strong and Rural Support for their fabulous resources, Franklin Vets and Dairy NZ for coming out to support the event and LJ Hooker for the fantastic work on the BBQ.
We have free funding available for rural residents needing counselling or mental health assistance. We offer a range of counsellors including one who is herself a farmer who has worked in all areas of the rural sector. To learn more or make an appointment contact [email protected] or drop in to the Community House.
Our team enjoyed a lovely lunch with farmers and rural residents at Waerenga Hall. This event launched our Rural Wellbeing Project designed to encourage conversations about mental health amongst our rural communities. This project is funded by Waikato Farmers Trust.
We thank Farm Strong and Rural Support for their fabulous resources, Franklin Vets and Dairy NZ for coming out to support the event and LJ Hooker for the fantastic work on the BBQ.
We have free funding available for rural residents needing counselling or mental health assistance. We offer a range of counsellors including one who is herself a farmer who has worked in all areas of the rural sector. To learn more or make an appointment contact [email protected] or drop in to the Community House.
Community Garden Scarecrow Success
20 April 2024
The Community Garden was delighted to hold its inaugural Scarecrow Competition. It attracted 11 fabulous scarecrows which now adorn the fence looking out towards Te Kauwhata Primary School. There are some wonderful ingenious ideas on display. We hope you enjoy them on your next walk.
Cleverest Construction - Sandra & Cory Pace for FANCY FEAST
Most Creative - Bridget & Steph Orr for SHON THE MAGNIFICENT
Gardener's Choice - the Hennessy family for SCARECROW SQUARE PANTS
Highly Recommended:
Azalea Elmes for MR SCARY JACK
Natana Mako for SANDWICH POLICE AGENT BOB
Sunny & Lily Beth for PIRATE BONY
Huge thanks to everyone who entered and our fabulous volunteer gardeners and judges who helped with install this morning: Helen, Alan, Leonie, Dean, Nicky & Rhonda
The Community Garden was delighted to hold its inaugural Scarecrow Competition. It attracted 11 fabulous scarecrows which now adorn the fence looking out towards Te Kauwhata Primary School. There are some wonderful ingenious ideas on display. We hope you enjoy them on your next walk.
Cleverest Construction - Sandra & Cory Pace for FANCY FEAST
Most Creative - Bridget & Steph Orr for SHON THE MAGNIFICENT
Gardener's Choice - the Hennessy family for SCARECROW SQUARE PANTS
Highly Recommended:
Azalea Elmes for MR SCARY JACK
Natana Mako for SANDWICH POLICE AGENT BOB
Sunny & Lily Beth for PIRATE BONY
Huge thanks to everyone who entered and our fabulous volunteer gardeners and judges who helped with install this morning: Helen, Alan, Leonie, Dean, Nicky & Rhonda
AGM2023 and a year in review
20/9/2023
We celebrated our Annual General Meeting with Mayor Jacqui Church and 30 friends and stakeholders at St Margaret's Hall on 19 September. At the event we thanked and farewelled long standing Executive Committee member Colin Willats. Robin Baird, Wendy Peach, Jo Mako and Andrea Rowe were reappointed to the Committee along with new trustees Marlene Raumati, Mary Breckon and Mark Wilson.
Enjoy our Annual Report in Pictures here.
Pictured above: Left - Chair Robin Baird and Jacqui Church / Right: Staff and Executive Committee
We celebrated our Annual General Meeting with Mayor Jacqui Church and 30 friends and stakeholders at St Margaret's Hall on 19 September. At the event we thanked and farewelled long standing Executive Committee member Colin Willats. Robin Baird, Wendy Peach, Jo Mako and Andrea Rowe were reappointed to the Committee along with new trustees Marlene Raumati, Mary Breckon and Mark Wilson.
Enjoy our Annual Report in Pictures here.
Pictured above: Left - Chair Robin Baird and Jacqui Church / Right: Staff and Executive Committee
How are we doing? We invite you to complete our community engagement surveys
The Te Kauwhata & Districts Information & Support Centre Incorporated is the charitable organisation that governs both Te Kauwhata Community House and the Toi Ako Artspace. The vision of the organisation is "a Connected Community encouraging wellness in people and place." We strive to achieve this by "providing services and opportunities to strengthen and empower individuals and families in our community." Every year we like to check in with our community to see how we are going? Are we meeting your needs? What do you value about our services? How can we further improve them? How can we remove barriers for those most vulnerable in our community? What are we missing? Do you have new ideas that could help us move closer towards our vision?
While we are always looking to improve our services we also really value your positive feedback. Many of our services are funded through contestable grants and your feedback about how they help you or benefit our community make all the difference.
You are invited to complete one or both our surveys as you wish before 3 September. The surveys are entirely confidential unless you would us to contact you about any of your comments. Then you may leave contact details and we will be in touch.
Many thanks for your contribution:
Click to respond to the survey about Toi Ako Artspace - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ToiAko23
Click to respond to the survey about Te Kauwhata Community House - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TKComHouse23
While we are always looking to improve our services we also really value your positive feedback. Many of our services are funded through contestable grants and your feedback about how they help you or benefit our community make all the difference.
You are invited to complete one or both our surveys as you wish before 3 September. The surveys are entirely confidential unless you would us to contact you about any of your comments. Then you may leave contact details and we will be in touch.
Many thanks for your contribution:
Click to respond to the survey about Toi Ako Artspace - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ToiAko23
Click to respond to the survey about Te Kauwhata Community House - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TKComHouse23
You are invited to our Annual General Meeting
Te Kauwhata & Districts Information & Support Centre Inc. governs both Te Kauwhata Community House and Toi Ako Artspace. We warmly welcome the people of Te Kauwhata and Districts to join us for this year's Annual General Meeting, There we will share our financial accounts and achievements for FY23, we will share your ideas for how we could further support the community and elect the team to lead us into the future, followed by a light supper.
We would appreciate RSVPs for catering purposes if you would like to join us but last minute guests are also very welcome.
We are also still accepting expressions f interest from people interested in a role on our Executive Committee.
To RSVP or learn more contact [email protected]
We would appreciate RSVPs for catering purposes if you would like to join us but last minute guests are also very welcome.
We are also still accepting expressions f interest from people interested in a role on our Executive Committee.
To RSVP or learn more contact [email protected]
Vacancy - Executive Committee Members
9/7/23
Do you want to give back to your community?
We are seeking strategic thinkers to join the Executive Committee of The Te Kauwhata & Districts Information and Support Centre Inc. We govern Te Kauwhata Community House, Toi Ako Artspace and other community assets. The driving kaupapa behind all our activity is our vision for a connected community encouraging wellness in people and place. To achieve that we provide services and opportunities that strengthen and empower individuals and families in our community.
While previous governance experience is always a benefit it is more important to us that our Executive Committee shares our vision, upholds our values and reflects the diversity within our community. We’d love to hear from people who meet some of these priority areas:
Mana whenua
Rural/farming Connections
Legal and/or Financial Expertise
A user of our services at Te Kauwhata Community House and/or Toi Ako Artspace
As a member of our Executive Committee you would be required to:
Some additional time may be required around strategic planning processes, stakeholder engagement and professional development.
This is a voluntary role but brings many of its own rewards as you witness positive change in the community and come to appreciate the impact our services have on the lives of many.
The committee is responsible for:
For more information please contact Lauren on 0212225682 / [email protected]
Do you want to give back to your community?
We are seeking strategic thinkers to join the Executive Committee of The Te Kauwhata & Districts Information and Support Centre Inc. We govern Te Kauwhata Community House, Toi Ako Artspace and other community assets. The driving kaupapa behind all our activity is our vision for a connected community encouraging wellness in people and place. To achieve that we provide services and opportunities that strengthen and empower individuals and families in our community.
While previous governance experience is always a benefit it is more important to us that our Executive Committee shares our vision, upholds our values and reflects the diversity within our community. We’d love to hear from people who meet some of these priority areas:
Mana whenua
Rural/farming Connections
Legal and/or Financial Expertise
A user of our services at Te Kauwhata Community House and/or Toi Ako Artspace
As a member of our Executive Committee you would be required to:
- uphold and promote the values of the organisation (insert values)
- read our monthly Board pack and actively participate in a monthly meeting on the evening of the 3rd Tuesday of the month
Some additional time may be required around strategic planning processes, stakeholder engagement and professional development.
This is a voluntary role but brings many of its own rewards as you witness positive change in the community and come to appreciate the impact our services have on the lives of many.
The committee is responsible for:
- setting and upholding the vision, values and strategic direction of the organisation
- ensuring responsible financial management and accountability for the organisation
- maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships
- ensuring that the organisation stays relevant and adapts to meet the needs of the community
- employing the General Manager and supporting them and their team to deliver the activities of the organisation
For more information please contact Lauren on 0212225682 / [email protected]
Celebration - Farewell to Steve Nelson
2/7/2023
This month we farewelled Steve Nelson from our Executive Committee after an extraordinary 17 years of service. Originally recruited for the Executive Committee by Joe Hickey in 2006, Steve was rapidly promoted to Chair in 2007 and held that role until 2022 before passing the baton to our current Chair Robin Baird. Steve and his team ushered the organisation through a period of great growth and change; from two part time staff to eight. During his tenure we purchased our home at 1a Waerenga Rd, took on the Community Transport contract, two vehicles and 28 volunteers to deliver it, began the Toi Ako programme taking up residency in the artspace under St Margaret's Hall, we were gifted the building at 1 Main St, began many new services and achieved many milestones for our community. Steve is remembered for his spirit of service, kindness and can do attitude, for his steady hand, sharp mind and excellent relationships. We wish him all the very best in his retirement from this role.
Pictured above - Robin Baird & Steve Nelson
This month we farewelled Steve Nelson from our Executive Committee after an extraordinary 17 years of service. Originally recruited for the Executive Committee by Joe Hickey in 2006, Steve was rapidly promoted to Chair in 2007 and held that role until 2022 before passing the baton to our current Chair Robin Baird. Steve and his team ushered the organisation through a period of great growth and change; from two part time staff to eight. During his tenure we purchased our home at 1a Waerenga Rd, took on the Community Transport contract, two vehicles and 28 volunteers to deliver it, began the Toi Ako programme taking up residency in the artspace under St Margaret's Hall, we were gifted the building at 1 Main St, began many new services and achieved many milestones for our community. Steve is remembered for his spirit of service, kindness and can do attitude, for his steady hand, sharp mind and excellent relationships. We wish him all the very best in his retirement from this role.
Pictured above - Robin Baird & Steve Nelson
New service - We're launching a Law Clinic
30/6/2023
We are excited to partner with Niemand Peebles Hoult to launch a community law clinic starting 20 July. Please contact us to make 15 minute appointment. (Conditions apply)
We are excited to partner with Niemand Peebles Hoult to launch a community law clinic starting 20 July. Please contact us to make 15 minute appointment. (Conditions apply)
Celebration - National Volunteers Day
23/6/2023
We celebrated the service of our fantastic team of volunteers today with a special morning tea. We are enormously grateful for the time, energy, skill and care our volunteers gift to our organisation and community.
We celebrated the service of our fantastic team of volunteers today with a special morning tea. We are enormously grateful for the time, energy, skill and care our volunteers gift to our organisation and community.
Vacancy - Counsellor
20/6/2023
We are seeking an experienced counsellor with the ability to work up to two days a week to support clients aged 12 yrs to adult. Clients may be experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, identity issues, trauma or other mental health issues. The core role is primarily individual client support, however, there may be scope to develop group programmes too by negotiation.
Read more here. Applications close 7 July.
We are seeking an experienced counsellor with the ability to work up to two days a week to support clients aged 12 yrs to adult. Clients may be experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, identity issues, trauma or other mental health issues. The core role is primarily individual client support, however, there may be scope to develop group programmes too by negotiation.
Read more here. Applications close 7 July.