Resilient North Canterbury

October 2011

The Canterbury Community Trust (TCCT) trustees visited community organisations in North Canterbury on 31th October 2011.  Trustees were welcomed into the new offices of Wellbeing North Canterbury – Waimakariri Community Development Trust.  Staff and Trustees shared how their Trust has expanded their social services throughout North Canterbury.

In the office of Social Services Waimakariri, Community Team Leader, Tessa Sturley introduced Trustees to her team.  Staff explained how they collaborate with community and government social service providers to meet identified needs in North Canterbury.

Before leaving the Waimakariri District Council offices, Trustees met with Mayor, David Ayers, and CEO, Jim Palmer, to discuss the priorities of the region from the Council’s perspective.

Trustees were grateful for the sunny reception received at the Rangiora Community Gardens and Hub Community Café.  Garden Co-ordinator, Sandra Heerink, guided Trustees around the flourishing garden before Trustees visited the café. 

On the Eleazar Family Support Trust’s farm, John and Margaret Merrylees along with Ross Manson guided Trustees around the farm and facilities where they provide respite care for children aged from 7-17 years old on weekends and school holidays.

At the Family Support Agency, Staff and Trustees talked about how their service has changed over the past year or so.

Trustees finished the day of visits with a deeper understanding of North Canterbury social services and the community they serve.

The above photo: Staff and Trustees from TCCT and Waimakariri Community Development Trust – Wellbeing North Canterbury. In back from left to right is: Susan McKenzie, Linda Rutland, Alec Neill, Louise McLean, Peter Graham, Dan Gordon, Peter Allen. In front from left to right are Bernadette Williams and Deirdre Ryan.