New Waimakariri trust supports community wellbeing
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.’’
■ Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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