Maori Maps - mapping marae throughout Aotearoa

Posted 22/04/2013

Visiting ancestral marae from Waikato to Whanganui was an eye-opener for Rameka Tu’inukuafe, a University of Auckland architecture student. He had volunteered to be a navigator for the Māori Maps team – charting, photographing and documenting marae throughout Aotearoa.

“Even after researching extensively for the trip, on the road we found marae we didn’t know existed,” he reported. “It shows how difficult it could be for people of my generation to contact their home marae if their whanau had lost touch.”

Māori Maps is managed by Te Potiki National Trust, an Auckland-based charity for which an operational donation from The Tindall Foundation has been a lifeline.

Established by Paora Tapsell and Rereata Makiha, the Trust aims to reconnect the ‘potiki generation’ of young, urban Māori with their marae – many of which are suffering a loss of community as older generations pass on.

The www.maorimaps.com website provides a free interactive map for browsers to locate and learn about marae. It will deliver a full nationwide database by 2013, after the research team completes its visits to over 850 marae.

“The Trust aims to guide descendants and visitors to the marae gateways, and support them to engage appropriately with local custodians,” Tapsell said.

For more information contact:  Peter Dowling, Kaihautu

Email: pita@maorimaps.com Website: www.maorimaps.com

Thousands flock to Pallet Pavilion this summer

Posted 13/02/2013

Christchurch’s eye catching Pallet Pavilion has been hugely successful this summer, so far bringing together over 4000 people from all over the city to enjoy live music, outdoor cinema, games, twilight markets, and the chance to relax in the secret garden.

Built by a volunteer army over six weeks in late 2012, the Pallet Pavilion is a temporary architecture project that functions as a community space and venue for events. Over December and January more than 40 events were hosted in the Pavilion.

The brain-child of Gap Filler, the Pavilion is one of the organisation's creative urban regeneration initiatives which started in response to the September earthquake, and revised and expanded in light of the more destructive February 22, 2011 quake.

Over this long hot summer, the Pavilion has been helping to address the city’s need for new small-to-medium sized venues, after the loss of clubrooms and community halls that were destroyed by the earthquakes. Located on the prominent site of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel, the Pavilion has been drawing people back into Christchurch city, supporting central businesses and promoting the central city as a place for experimentation.

The Pavilion is open daily as a public space and hosts organised events most evenings. Thursday to Saturday it is used largely as a venue for live music in a city that has lost many live music venues. For the rest of the week it will be available to the community for a small hire fee.

A visually engaging and dynamic space, it is built from over 3000 wooden pallets and is a showcase for the possibilities of innovative transitional architecture in a city that is ready to embrace new ideas. The blue exterior conceals a secret garden, with landscaping creatively integrated into the walls and stepped seating. The selection of plants have been blooming over summer.

The Pavilion was designed by emerging designers, supported by established professionals, and built from loaned, reused and donated materials using volunteer, professional and community labour.

Events will continue until the end of April and deconstruction of the Pavilion is scheduled to begin in May.

Coralie Winn, Director at Gap Filler Trust, is proud of the Summer Pallet Pavilion

Counties Manukau District Health Board

Posted 22/04/2013

Counties Manukau has a high proportion of Maori (17%) and Pacific peoples (22%) and its population will grow by 25% by 2020. That brings increasing demands on health services at a time when there is a global shortage of medical professionals and a significant under-representation of Maori (only 6%) and Pacific Islanders (8%) in clinical staff groups.

Helped by a $2.25 million donation from The Tindall Foundation for the 2010–2013 period, the Counties Manukau District Health Board has set out to address the issue. Health Science Academies in two Manukau secondary schools, tertiary scholarships for 25 Maori and Pacific Health Science students annually, and a midwifery course that aims to graduate 15 Maori midwives are part of this innovative approach.

According to Caroline Tichbon, Workforce Consultant at the Health Board, the academies enlisted 55 Year 11 students in 2011, with over 80% achieving NCEA Level 1 by the end of the first term in 2012. “Health outcomes improve when the health workforce reflects the community it serves,” Tichbon said.

That view is endorsed by a student of Pacific Island descent in Tangaroa College’s academy. “Seeing our people in hospital gives you a reason to go into health,” she reflected. “I will be the first one in my family to finish school and have a professional career.” 

Contact Caroline: +64 9 276 0044 Ext: 2674 caroline.tichbon@middlemore.co.nz

New home a dream come true for a young couple

Posted 29/01/2013

Archeologists Daniel (33) and Leah (28) McCurdy are living a happy and settled life in their lovely Avondale home. The pair, who moved into their four-bedroom home in Avondale Road three years ago, has truly made it their own. They’ve grown a garden full of fruit trees and a plentiful vegetable patch, and have created the perfect environment for their much-loved dog Loki.

The young couple thought it would take years to buy their own home and believed it would be simply impossible to ever own a brand new home. Then they heard about the New Zealand Housing Foundation (HF) through a friend, and were delighted to discover that the organisation could help them to purchase a house through its Affordable Equity programme. It enabled Daniel and Leah to buy 71 per cent of the home with HF owning the other share.

Says Daniel, “Buying a house was very high on our list of things to achieve. We wanted a nice stable environment for our family and we wanted stability for our future kids. But we were struggling to accumulate enough of a deposit and every time we thought we were getting somewhere house prices would increase and it was impossible."

“We’d have had zero chance to buy a brand new home without HF. We’d have to move out to the country and it just wouldn’t be feasible with our jobs.”

When they first applied, Daniel and Leah told HF that they would like to live in Avondale as they loved the area. They were happy to wait until the right location came up and fortunately, only a year later, HF found a single site to buy in Avondale Rd. The McCurdy’s leapt at the chance to go ahead.

The single site is quite different from other HF projects where in some cases up to 70 houses are built in one development. Daniel and Leah were in a unique position where they were able to be involved in design of their home from the very beginning. Something that Daniel says made the house feel even more their own.

“We were very keen to have open-plan living space and we were lucky to enlist the help of an architect contact of mine who, along with HF, gave us lots of advice. HF are the experts, they know about building affordable housing and they know what a house needs for resale, so between us we came up with a great design that makes the home very livable. We were very fortunate.”

From there HF took over with managing the build and two months later the roof was going on. “HF took on all the responsibility and stress out of building. We were very lucky because it was during the recession so there were plenty of tradesmen, plumbers, painters available so it was fast. We went to watch the roof go on and it was completely covered in people. The whole roof went on in three hours! It was amazing to see,” says Daniel.

HF owns 29 per cent of the McCurdy’s home and there is a degree of flexibility as to how that money is repaid to HF over time.  

“HF is like having a Mum and Dad who can loan you the money for your deposit. It is a great solution to the problems people are facing trying to buy their first home. This model is a great way of bridging the gap and giving people a head start.”

For the couple, owning their own house is more than just getting on the property ladder, “It is so nice to know you are going home to your home. It’s a nice warm, safe place with no scary unexpected plumbing bills like you have when you are renting!

“From the day we moved in HF made it very clear that the home was ours. They said, ‘we don’t want you to feel like we are your landlords’. They were awesome. But at the same time they were there to support us. It is like having your parents there. They offer security.”

All HF houses are fully finished, carpeted throughout with vinyl flooring in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. Thermal curtains are fitted to all windows and the houses are prewired for burglar alarms, The gardens fenced and seeded for grass. HF installs an oven and hob with re-circulating extractor hood. They external walls are well insulated.

All households get to choose their interior schemes which have been put together by an HF interior designer. This includes curtains, carpet, vinyl, kitchen benchtop and cupboards and interior paint.

Daniel and Leah want everyone to know that is it very straight-forward and easy to progressively acquire a home with the help of HF.

“Some of our friends initially said it was too good to be true – that there must be a catch. But we want everyone to know that there is no catch. It is as good as it sounds and we are living proof of how good it can be.”

To register your interest or for further information about how to apply for a Housing Foundation click here.

Completed Housing Foundation Developments

169 Colwill Road (Janmar Lane)

Robertson Road, Mangere

Denny Ave, Mt Roskill

Wymondley Road, Otahuhu

Reding Street, Takanini

Calvert Ave, Mangere

Rosebank Road, Avondale

West Coast Road, Glen Eden

Developments currently underway

Poaka Ave, Takanini

Denver Ave, Sunnyvale

Hornby, Christchurch

Tui Street, Kaikohe

To find out more visit New Zealand Housing Foundation's website www.nzhf.org

CAP helps young mother to manage debt

Posted 14/02/2013

In 2011 Shelley was in serious debt. At that time she was under a huge amount of stress; her furniture was being repossessed because she couldn’t keep up debt repayments, she was having to go to court, had people knocking on her door demanding money, she had bills scattered all over the place and was in a total muddle.  She was trying to feed her family of five on $40 per week.

Fortunately for Shelley, she was given a CAP brochure at the local WINZ office and she phoned straight away. CAP has helped to change her life and she is no longer having to cope with the stress of debt.

CAP is a Christian debt-counselling service, working through local church-based centres, helping people of any age, religion or race to become debt free. CAP helps people like Shelley out of debt by using the client’s own income. They arranged repayments with creditors that were manageable for Shelley and acceptable to those she owed money to.

When Shelley joined CAP she noticed the difference immediately. She was advised to open a new bank account so that the HP payments paid by direct debit could no longer erode her grocery money. She felt that she had made a fresh start.

This year Shelley describes herself as happy and relieved. She now feels unafraid of answering the door and she isn’t worried about being talked into buying things on HP. This year her plan is to get her license. Shelley is grateful for all the support she receives from CAP, both with finances and with other practical issues. She says that it was a great day that she joined CAP.

CAP is recognised and appreciated by businesses and banks for their success in getting debts successfully repaid. CAP is supported by The Tindall Foundation through its faith funding manager, Baptist Churches of New Zealand.

New Zealand Housing Foundation changing lives and growing communities

Posted 07/12/2012

Many people can only dream of owning their own home. But The New Zealand Housing Foundation (HF) is making this dream a reality for families across the country. HF provides options for getting New Zealanders into new homes of their own, helping them manage their finances so overtime they can afford to buy it outright.

HF is a not-for-profit, charitable trust set up to support and grow the community housing sector and provide affordable housing for low income households. The organisation is focused on developing communities and growing strong, safe neighbourhoods.

HF has the backing of some leading philanthropic organisations, such as The Tindall Foundation, and is supported by central government in many of its developments and programmes.

Since the organisation was established in 2001, HF has helped 200 Kiwi families move in to homes of their own. HF is currently in the process of developing another four housing developments, two in Auckland, one in Christchurch and one in Kaikohe.

Vikki Ham, 45, is one of the many people helped by HF. She tells her story of how it feels to be given the chance to own her own home and how it has changed her life and the future for her two sons.

Vikki’s Story

Vikki Ham outside her new home

Ko Taupo te awa

Ko Tongariro te maunga

Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa te iwi

Ko Ngai Te Aho te Hapu

Ko Korohe te marae

Ko Vikki Ham toku ingoa

Oku tamariki ko James raua ko Paikera (Morehu)

Through my ancestors I have a connection to:

Lake Taupo and Mt Tongariro

My tribe and sub tribe is Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngai Te Aho

My marae is Korohe

My name is Vikki Ham and my sons names are James and Paikera Morris

(Whakapapa – genealogy)

Ever since she was young, Vikki Ham has had a goal to own her own home. But the mother-of-two never imagined her dream would be achievable.

Today, she stands proudly in the kitchen of her brand new home in the Auckland suburb of Massey. After years of hard work and thanks to the assistance of HF, Vikki has a place she can call her own and a home for her two sons, now aged 21 and 18.  Her warm sunny home is one of 11 houses built by HF in a lane in Colwill Rd, West Auckland.

Vikki, who had been living in a two-bedroom unit with her sons for 10 years, was delighted to move in to her new home in February this year. “I was battling breast cancer, working full time, bringing up my two sons on my own, and I just never thought it would be possible to be in a lovely, brand-new home like this – and best of all it’s ours.

“It was so overwhelming and empowering to have reached a life time goal. It was amazing waking up in my own home for the first time, it was like, wow is this for real? If it wasn’t for the Housing Foundation, I would never have had the opportunity to own my own home. I probably would have been renting for the rest of my life.”

There is no doubt that Vikki has worked incredibly hard to achieve her goal, doing everything she could to make it a reality for her and her sons.

“My Mum died when I was 13 and my Dad when I was 18 and I pretty much raised myself after that. I had my two boys when I was young and went back to university as an adult and got a degree. I also undertook and achieved my postgraduate in 2009 and I know my parents would be proud of what I have achieved.”

Vikki heard about HF through a work colleague and only one year after making initial contact with HF she was moving in to her own home.

Vikki was able to purchase the house through HF’s Affordable Equity programme. It enabled her to purchase a share of the home at a level she could afford, with HF owning the other portion. With the guidance and support of HF, Vikki organised her own mortgage and used her KiwiSaver as a deposit. The advantage of this arrangement with HF meant Vikki was able to take on a smaller mortgage than would normally need to purchase her home at the market value.

“The process was very straightforward. I’d never applied for a loan or mortgage before. I didn’t realise I could use my KiwiSaver as a deposit. This made things a lot easier. I didn’t have any debt, had been working in the same job for 10 years had no credit cards, so this certainly helped with my application.

“Having my own home means I have freedom to do what I want.   I can hang things up on the walls! When I was renting someone came to inspect the house every three months, and I wasn’t allowed to hang photos or anything up on the walls to make it a home.”

When Vikki lived in the rented unit, as her sons grew older, she moved into the sitting room to give her sons a bedroom each. Now she has a four-bedroom house she can’t believe how spacious it is.

“When we first moved into our brand new home, it felt so big and so warm because it was insulated. I hardly even felt winter this year as oppose to last year as the unit we were renting at the time wasn’t insulated.  It took me quite a while to get use to having my own bedroom. It was just amazing!”

The NZ Housing Foundation development where Vikki lives in a private lane just off West Coast Rd in Massey. “I love the area. I love the view and smell of the sea. I love the big kitchen. Now I cook heaps. My son especially loves the shower. He is 6’5” and his only request for the new house was that the shower head would be tall enough so he could enjoy a shower without stooping over!”

All of the families living in HF houses in Colwill Rd have made the street their own. Many of the gardens are beautifully manicured. You can tell the owners take great pride in their homes.

“There is great community spirit in the street. We all look out for each other and each other’s properties. I knew nothing about gardening and I’ve never had the need to own a lawn mower until now. It’s great to have neighbours who are there to give gardening advice and help me out. They share their ideas and gardening products.” 

Once all the families had moved into the lane, the Foundation held a ‘meet your neighborhood’ BBQ event.  Says Vikki, “We also got to meet some of the stakeholders from the Foundation and it was good to be able to mix and mingle and to say thank you.  Each family were also gifted a wheel barrow, garden tools etc to take away with them – which I know was much appreciated by all.”

Vikki is hugely grateful to HF for all their help and support.

“My home is an extension to my kainga tuturu and it means everything to me and my sons to have somewhere they can call their own.  Like their whakapapa (genealogy,  it is their foundation and they feel connected.  It also provides me with peace of mind that I have done my utmost best for my sons and that if anything happens – no matter what they have a home to call their own – thank you New Zealand  Housing Foundation”

For further information on NZHF visit www.nzhf.org , email info@housingfoundation.co.nz or call 0800 4 HOUSING.

The benefits of Shared-Ownership

• You get all the privileges of ownership without funding 100%.
• You buy what you can afford.
• Your share grows in proportion to your investment.
• You can increase your share to 100% over time
• When you want to move on, you sell your equivalent share (e.g. 75%) back to HF, or to the open market, based on an independent valuation less a management fee.

Apopo empowers young people and their whanau today to create hope for tomorrow

Posted 01/11/2012

Apopo means 'tomorrow' in Maori, and Taupo organisation Apopo is "empowering youth and their whanau today to create hope for tomorrow".

Jodi Manuel is the inspirational woman behind Apopo.  An experienced youth worker, Jodi observed that local young people had nowhere to go that provided a "community based whanau".  She took the initiative to open a youth centre with her own savings.

Young people, aged 12-24, are referred to Apopo by Youth Justice, social service agencies and word of mouth.  On average they see 220 young people per week.

Apopo runs wide-ranging activities including alcohol and drug counselling, martial arts, hair and makeup, adventure based learning, anger management and sports coaching. 

Last winter APOPO youth collected pine cones for firewood for a disabled man and a new mother.  "We’re teaching them generosity.  If you’re generous to people, you’re less likely to offend against them," said Jodi Manuel.

Alicia DeYoung, a teenage mum, commented: "Apopo is everything to me and my son.  It has helped me so much.  I was an angry person before I met Jodi and started going to Apopo.  It’s a place we need in Taupo for us young ones, where we can go and have fun and act like kids and not get judged."

The Tindall Foundation funded the 'Know the Warrior Within' programme, where young people learn how to deal appropriately with their emotions.

For more information contact: Jodi Manuel, Practice Leader, Apopo

Email: jodzm@msn.com

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Apopo/175785125784408

Billy Graham’s new book shares his secret for changing young men’s lives

Posted 29/10/2012

Former national boxing champion Billy Graham is captivating. He is loud, passionate and funny. You can’t help smile when he speaks. He lights up the room with his enthusiasm.  It’s easy to see why the young men of Naenae love him. Back in 2006, Billy converted the Salvation Army Hall into what is now known as a hugely successful boxing academy. But the emphasis is not on creating champion boxers. It is on giving the young men of Naenae a future, a focus and something to believe in.

In this buzzing, vibrant Boxing Academy, in the tough, working-class suburb of Naenae, young men’s lives are changed for the better.  Most of these boys entered with nothing: hungry, no self-belief, little hope. But they have left as confident young men looking forward to a bright future. And this place is working, local police say youth crime is down 30 percent, and a Massey university study has confirmed the academy’s amazing ability to turn troubled boys’ lives around.

In his new book Making Champion Men Billy shares his journey and tells, with passion and humour, how to work the same miracles in your home or community. He tells, through experience, what boys need: encouragement and kindness, discipline and rules. They need male role models and to learn the consequences of their actions. Most importantly, they need someone to believe in them.

Making Champion Men reveals the secrets behind one of the most remarkable success stories in New Zealand youth work and teaches some important lessons. The lessons have been learnt the hard way: Billy Graham had a tough childhood, in trouble with principals and police, until he found boxing. He went on to become a national boxing champion, and then a globally recognised motivational speaker.

Andrew Becroft, Principal Youth Court Judge, is a fan of Billy’s.  He has written the foreword in the book and has this to say:

Boys seek Billy out. He has the gravitational pull that most challenging young boys find hard to resist. They are in his orbit, he can work his magic. Amongst other things he is a challenger, a disciplinarian and a humorist. He has enormous reserves of energy. He gives 100 per cent to working with young boys. The boys genuinely love him and warm to his transparent, straightforward and no-nonsense honesty.

Billy, and the others like him, are the unsung heroes of our community. They faithfully put in the hard yards with unflinching determination. It is not glamorous work. Few people ever see it. But it makes a difference – a community based difference – that government departments, policy analysts and even judges can never match.

Phil Gifford, award winning sports journalist, broadcaster and long standing friend of Billy’s helped to write Making Champion Men. He says the book is not only a fascinating story, it is much more than that. “It is a blueprint for how to do the sorts of things that Billy has done. This book is very practical. I hope people will buy it and use it as a guide to help change young people’s lives.”

At the book launch at Vodafone’s head office in Auckland last week, Billy talked about his quest to set up other academies throughout New Zealand based on the same formula as he has used in Naenae. He knows he has the ingredients to make it work elsewhere, but he will need support from people around the country to make it happen. He will be seeking passionate, positive individuals who want to see a change in their communities.

Billy says,  “We think we have found a remedy. It is so ridiculously simple and we know it is working. It’s not rocket science, it’s basic common sense. I tell my boys at the boxing club that manners do count, looking at people and shaking hands and saying hello with a smile on your face, does work. Remembering people’s names is really important, getting back to people will open doors for you. I have learnt in my life, that in order to be able to make things happen, you need people around you in order to achieve.

“In my life I’ve had a crack at everything. Been a butcher, forestry worker, even a teacher and I have been able to seek out the right people, get them to back me and to help me make things happen. There are people that have encouraged me in every area and I know the value of having the right person in my corner. If I can get the book in everybody’s hands with any luck they will say, ‘I could do that’, and hopefully they’ll give it a try.”

Pick up your copy from your local bookseller for $34.95 or your own personalised copy, signed by Billy, for $34.95 plus courier cost of $7.00 through contacting Raewynne at the Naenae Youth Charitable Trust- Raewynne@teambilly.co.nz       (04) 527 4227.

Billy with Liz Tindall at the Making Champion Men book launch

Gamblefree Day gets people talking about problem gambling

Posted 11/10/2012

Gambling is a significant issue in New Zealand.  With $5.2 million lost to gambling every day in New Zealand, ($1.9 billion per year), this problem cannot be ignored.

Harmful gambling can profoundly impact on the physical, emotional, and financial health of family, friends, workmates and others in the wider community. One in six New Zealanders say a family member has gone without something they needed or a bill has gone unpaid because of gambling.

When parents have problems with gambling, it is often children who suffer most. Young children can miss out on basic essentials if a parent has gambled away household money. Gambling can lead to broken homes, damaged relationships, physical and emotional harm, and a higher risk of the children becoming problem gamblers themselves. A single person’s harmful gambling can affect five to ten people, and children are vulnerable when it’s their parent or other close relative.

Gablefree Day was established in 2005 to raise awareness of this issue. Since then the day has grown exponentially. September 1st has become firmly established as the national awareness day for problem gambling and over the years it has been embraced by those working in the sector, local communities and the media.

Every year, events and activities are held all around the country in recognition of the day. An essential part of this is community engagement – working with local communities and organisations who share Problem Gambling Foundation's kaupapa.

Problem Gambling Foundation public health national manager Tony Milne said Gamblefree Day was the major awareness-raising day for the issue in New Zealand.

"The impact of problem gambling shouldn't be underestimated," Mr Milne said. "Each year in New Zealand an estimated 60,000 people with a gambling problem have a direct impact on the lives of 300,000 to 600,000 other people."

The outcomes of Gamblefree Day 2012 can be measured in so many different ways.

The Asian Family Services team have used Gamblefree Day campaigns over the years to help break down barriers and reduce the stigma associated with problem gambling in the Asian community. The story competition they held this year attracted over 120 entries and over 70 volunteers were recruited. The competition was used to foster open conversation about problem gambling in the community and as a way for people to express their experiences and thoughts on problem gambling.

Mapu Maia, the Pasifika team at the Problem Gambling Foundation, ran a children’s song and poem competition in conjunction with Tupu Services and Radio Samoa. Over 100 children read their poems on air and 10 children sang their songs. The contestants wrote poems or songs that often reflected their own experiences of gambling.

Children accepting their certificates for entering the song and poem competition

Rufo Pupualii, a health promoter and counsellor at Mapu Maia, says the children’s poem and song competition was a great way to connect with families and help parents address any issues with gambling. “We are helping more than 50 of the families that we connected with through the children’s competition this year,” she says. “The main problem they have is with pokie machines, but many also experience problems with TAB gambling, Housie and tote tickets.”

Andree Froude, Problem Gambling Foundation Communications Manager, says Gamblefree Day is not just about raising awareness of the harm caused by gambling. “It is about ‘friend raising’, engaging with communities and fostering open discussions about gambling around the country,” she says.

As one young child said to one of our staff members at a Gamblefree Day event…"I am glad we are here today because if we weren’t, my mum would be gambling.”

The Problem Gambling Foundation extends a huge thank you to the Tindall Foundation for supporting us in our work. 

It was great to see so many press articles coming out of Gamble Free Day this year. See below.

For free, professional and confidential help, call 0800 664 262 or email help@pgfnz.org.nz Asian hotline: 0800 862 342 

Eastern Courier

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/7578885/Gambling-with-lives

Otago Daily Times 

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/224083/problems-effects-widely-felt

Nelson - Scribe bustin' rhymes for problem gambling

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1208/S00083/choice-not-chance-the-nelson-experience.htm

Rotorua Daily Post - Scribe discusses gambling with Boys' High students

http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/scribe-discusses-gambling-with-boys-high-students/1524940/

Hawkes Bay Today - Songs take aim at problem gambling

http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/news/songs-take-aim-at-problem-gambling/1519553/

Southland Times - Scribe shares story to end gambling harm

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7538153/Scribe-shares-story-to-end-gambling-harm

Otago Daily Times - Pokies cost Scribe more than money

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/223172/pokies-cost-scribe-more-money

Nelson Mail - Rap now crusade against gambling

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/7533495/Rap-now-crusade-against-gambling

Trustees and staff visit successful community projects

Posted 21/09/2012

The Tindall Foundation Trustees and staff saw first-hand the life-changing work of two extraordinary organisations that we support, when we visited Lifewise and The Problem Gambling Foundation New Zealand (PGFNZ) last week, Wednesday 12 September.       

It was a privilege to learn more about the fantastic work both charities are doing to help vulnerable and at-risk people in the community.  Life for many in New Zealand is simply getting tougher.  Families are under huge pressure due to the increasing levels of poverty, violence, addiction and isolation. It was both heart-warming and moving to see the significant difference Lifewise and PGFNZ are making in the lives of so many Kiwis.

LIFEWISE

We first visited the Lifewise offices in Glen Eden to learn more about the community organisation’s programmes and services. We heard about the fantastic work the team is doing to get more vulnerable children into early years education, its work with foster children and their caregivers, and the innovative way it is helping homeless people of Auckland get off the streets and into safe, warm accommodation. 

We were blown away by the passion and dedication of the Lifewise staff.  Alli Munt, Early Childhood Education Manager, spoke about the new supported playgroup that has just opened in Glen Eden in the local Methodist Church hall.  We were delighted to hear about a new Early Childhood Education centre which will be built in Massey West with funding from the Ministry of Education . Once open, any children from the local community will be able to attend the centre.

We heard from Tiaria Fletcher, Service Manager, for Family Services who described the organisation’s foster care services for children unable to live with their families because the home is not a safe place or suitable environment. She shared stories of some of these children and the other family support services Lifewise runs including parenting courses, family counselling, social work, respite care and homecare services for the older people and those living with disabilities, helping them to live independent lives.

After hearing about the huge success of Know Your Neighbours campaign and how it has contributed to a stronger, more connected and more inclusive neighbourhoods across New Zealand, we went with some of the team to Lifewise’s Merge Café in K Road. The café is staffed by homeless people to feed homeless people, alongside office works and the general public.

There are over 100 people sleeping rough on the streets of Auckland's CBD on any one night. Lifewise shut its traditional style soup kitchen in 2010 because it felt it was outdated, segregating and isolating. It opened Merge, a public café where anyone can buy a decent meal for $3. There’s also a simple breakfast of cereal, toast and tea for $1. This approach treats people with dignity and choice. It not only feeds people, but provides employment and training as well as other on-site services, including support and social workers, CADS (Community Alcohol and Drugs Services), probation officers, WINZ, ACOS (Assertive Community Outreach Services) and Housing NZ.

The last two years have been very successful. Over 100 long-term homeless people have been housed and Lifewise has assisted them to address the issues which have contributed to them being homeless.

PROBLEM GAMBLING FOUNDATION NEW ZEALAND

In the afternoon we visited the office of PGFNZ to hear about their work to help those with addictions and build healthy communities free of gambling. PGFNZ is a not-for-profit organsiation and the largest treatment provider for problem gambling in Australasia. But PGF doesn’t just help those with gambling addictions, it provides programmes for people with food and other addictions too.

We heard from the Mapu Miaia team, PGFNZ’s Pacific Unit. Mapu Maia means to come in and take shelter or refuge. These dedicated people provide culturally appropriate service for Pasifika. The team works with Pacific communities educating and raising awareness about the harm that gambling (and other addictions) can cause and provides counselling and support for Pacific families in Auckland that need help with problem gambling.

It was exciting to hear about one of the major success stories the Mapu Maia team highlighted - the Off the Couch (OTC) Initiative. Losa Patterson, counsellor and educator at Mapu Maia, took part in OTC with her daughter when she realized it was imperative for her health that she lost weight. After successfully losing a lot of weight, she decided the programme would be hugely beneficial for others so Mapu Maia became the addiction specialist within the OTC programme providing:

• One on one counselling
• Therapeutic group therapy
• FASS Life group (addiction support group)
• Family interventions

Off the Couch participants are referred from Procare GP’s and word of mouth because of their obesity and other health issues. Once involved, Mapu Maia then helps them to deal with their addiction issues. The key for success is engagement with the participants. Losa trains alongside all participants (both men and women) and gains trust and credibility from them. Once trust is obtained, everything else falls into place.

For more information contact the organisations

Lifewise: 09 302 5390, lifewise@lifewise.org.nz

PGFNZ: 0800 664 262, pgf@pgfnz.org.nz or help@pgfnz.org.nz (for urgent enqiuires)  

Pathways with Taraia through the male mentor programme

Posted 19/09/2012

Since 1997, Big Buddy Charitable Trust has been matching positive male mentors with boys aged 7 to 14 who need a positive male role model in their lives. We heard from one of the Mentors at Big Buddy Mentoring Trust about his recent experience with his mentee, Taraia:

This past autumn Taraia and I spent 6 days at a forest camp near the beach at Te Arai Point. This was one of the most rewarding periods I have experienced and an excellent way to get to know Taraia a little better and deepen the connection between us. We’ve been matched for 4 years now and Pathways was an opportunity to see into each other’s worlds a little better and plan how our relationship might look going forward.

The programme included a lot of experiential activities which as well as very informative and educational were a lot of fun. We laughed, joked, chatted with other young men and their mentors and fathers and learned a great deal from each other.

The experience included a number of rituals that mark the transition from boy to young man and were all celebrated appropriately.

The whole 6 days was held by the Pathways team and their support staff and volunteers from the Essentially Men Education Trust. The days and the activities passed seamlessly and although it was a very full programme, it was also very easy to manage my way through it. In the end I felt very content, full, valued, open, cared for, nurtured, heard and loved. I have a feeling that Taraia did as well.

This was such a fun and adventurous time I would thoroughly recommend it to other Big Buddies who are looking to not only grow their connections with their Little Buddies but also to grow themselves.

I believe levels of respect and understanding between Taraia and I, and also he and his mother have grown. I look forward to continued learning, growth, fun and connection in the relationship we have established. Hans Ottow (Big Buddy of 4 years)

And from Taraia.....

Pathways was the best camp I’ve ever been on in my life! I enjoyed everything we did and I’m fully planning on returning next year as a Fire Keeper (leader). Everyone there is kind and helpful and keen to make new friends. It doesn’t matter who you are, you will fit in.

You take your father or mentor – for example, your Big Buddy. In my case Hans, my Big Buddy, and I went to Pathways together and had the best time we have ever had together in all the 4 years we’ve known each other. I really recommend Pathways. Taraia (15)

Check out Big Buddy's website and facebook page for more information.

Male Mentor helps young dads turn their lives around

Posted 04/09/2012

The Taupo Family Start programme was established in 2006 to help strengthen families in the Taupo District. Whānau Workers go into homes offering intensive support to families with high needs, to ensure that the children have the best possible start in life. Through the organisations' work, it helps to improve the health, education and social outcomes for children and helps parents develop strong parenting skills and practices.

The Tindall Foundation spoke to Sharon Simpson, Manager of Family Start, to hear about the huge success of the organsiation’s Male Mentor Programme. Here's what she had to say:

In each family we work with the children. They are our focus, their safety is paramount. We start working with the family when the mother is pregnant and support them through the first year of their child’s life. We are concerned with the baby’s health, and wellbeing, ensuring they are immunised and have regular health checks and that their developmental milestones are being reached.

Through our visits with families, it became very obvious that many of the fathers were struggling. We could see that they didn’t know how to parent and had no male role models in their lives to learn from. So we introduced the Male Mentor Programme at the beginning of 2012. So far it has been an overwhelming success. We call in our mentor, Brian Griffin, when we identify a dad who isn’t supporting his partner or where domestic violence is an issue. Brian’s role is to visit in tandem with the Family Start Whānau Worker and engage the dad in positive activities. As Brian’s position is not funded in our Family Start agreement with FACS/ MSD, we rely on grants to maintain the position. The Tindall Foundation has helped by assisting with Brian’s salary, making it possible for him to mentor some of our young fathers.

Brian has a way about him that sees him establishing a great relationship with these men. He soon becomes a father figure, a listening ear, someone they can look up to and rely on. Ultimately, his aim is to help the men become better dads, teach them about supportive, respectful relationships and show them the benefits this has for the whole whānau.

Brian does a fantastic job and, in a very creative way, figures out what is best for each man and what practical help they would each benefit from. He does every-day things with them. They may seem simple to others, but these activities make a significant difference these men’s lives. So Brian will take the Dad to enroll at the gym and go along with him, take him and the kids fishing or to the beach or pool, do the gardening or cooking together, all the while promoting the positive benefits of playing with children, the importance of helping mum and being involved in family life. Recently a young single father came to Brian asking for bread. Brian said he didn’t have any, but that he would teach him how to bake some. And so together, with the man’s little girl, they baked bread. Not only is it a great new skill, but the dad can now take part in a fun, educational activity with his daughter.

Brian also accompanies the dads to Work and Income or helps them apply for jobs. Recently he has successfully supported two dads into employment and he continues to visit them in their workplace. With Brian’s help another two men are now in training. He also works with fathers who are still in prison, helping to prepare them for their return home so that the transition back in to family life is a smooth one.

It’s not just the fathers and children that benefit from Brian’s help. The mothers speak of the huge difference Brian has made to their lives. They say he has helped reduce stress levels at home.  In one case, Brian was called in to help a young dad with issues of drugs and family violence. With Brian’s support this father has done so well. He has totally devoted himself to his child and his partner has been able to go back to work and leave the baby with him during the day. She said this never would have happened without the support of Brian.

In the Toupo region there has been a reduction in family violence since Brian started the mentoring programme six months ago. For those men participating in his programme, there have been no referrals to police for incidents/offences involving family violence.

Tom’s story:

Tom’s world revolved around drugs and alcohol and it wasn’t long before he found himself in prison.

When he was released from prison he got back together with his partner and child and they soon had another baby.   When Tom’s partner was pregnant with their youngest child, a local agency recognised that the children in this family were vulnerable and a referral was made to Family Start.  A female Whānau Worker first visited the family and established a rapport with both mum and dad. 

Since being released from prison, Tom had been unable to find employment due to his criminal record.  The couple decided that mum would go out to work and Tom would be the caregiver to the baby and toddler.  Mum’s background was farm work and she secured work on a farm which included a house in which to live.  At this point, since Tom was at home during the day, Brian started visiting.  It was a huge undertaking for Tom to be at home all day with two little ones and he found it quite difficult.  Brian worked with him to find ways to decrease the stress of being the main caregiver and housekeeper. He taught Tom, through role modelling, how to get his daily chores done by involving the children so they learned skills as well as having fun with their dad.  Brian had been a baker previously and because the family was on a tight budget, and isolated from shops, he taught Tom how to make bread.  This allowed Tom to contribute to the family fare as he included the children in the bread making activity.  Now when Brian visits he often finds Tom busily preparing dinner with the children helping close by.  Tom was able to pick up a few odd jobs around the farm and could be seen with the youngest child in a backpack and the older child trotting along beside him as he did his jobs.  Tom wanted to build a playhouse for the children and sought advice from Brian, who is quite a handyman.

Tom’s partner has recently completed a Farm Management Course and has been offered the opportunity to manage a nearby farm.  Both the children will be at pre-school when Tom’s partner takes on her role, so Tom will be able to be employed as a farmhand. 

This young man, whose friends told Brian that “he would never change”, now has plans for the future which include staying drug free and maintaining the great relationship he has with his children and partner.  Recently Tom and his partner were able to have a weekend away by themselves to the V8’s – something Tom would only have dreamed about a few years ago.

Brian continues to visit Tom every week and is welcomed by the family as a trusted friend. The trust and friendship is exmplified by the fact that Brian will be marrying Tom and his partner next year.

Contact: Family Start Taupo: 073765961 

Thrive Teen Parenting Centre - empowering young parents to build thriving families

Posted 03/09/2012

Thrive Teen Parent Support Trust was established in 2010 as a dedicated teen parent service in Auckland. The trust has taken a leadership role by developing a flagship programme for teen parents which has grown rapidly and seen great success in its positive parenting schemes, support programmes for vulnerable teen mothers, young fathers’ support groups, child birth education, parenting workshops and one-to-one support. Thrive uses a youth development approach to achieve its vision that young parents can reach their full potential by being connected and secure within their families and communities.

Niamh Wingate is the manager of Thrive. She works along-side a team of people, many of whom are or were young parents themselves, who are employed by Thrive to run programmes and support other young parents. Here she talks about how they help to drive the success of the organisation.

Having been a young teenage mother myself means I understand what it is like for the young people we support and work with. When they walk in the door, I truly get what it is like to be them. I understand the issues they are facing and I can identify with some of the feelings and questions they have about how they can fulfill their dreams and how they will create a better future for their kids.

I was 19 when I had my daughter. She was born in Dublin, where I am from. I know how it feels to have your community write you off - to walk down the street and attract negative attention. I was a smart girl. I had high expectations of myself and so did my family. I was the first person in my family to be offered a place at university. But then I got pregnant and my path changed. But, I am so glad it did because I would not be the person I am today, or be doing what I do if I had become the accountant that people thought I should be. And of course it goes without saying, that I have been blessed to have the most wonderful daughter who I am incredibly proud of.

When I had my daughter 20 years ago, there was no such thing as a parenting class, so I did a course to become a playgroup coordinator. The only way I could learn about parenting was through formal education and that’s how I started my career in early childhood education. Had I not had my daughter, I certainly would not have taken this career path.

I am so glad to see that 20 years on, support for young parents has changed significantly.  Thrive supports young parents so that they can make the best decisions for themselves and their children. We have had great successes in the short time we have been operating as an independent agency and I am so proud of what the charity has achieved.

We have 300 young parents on our database who we connect with via newsletters, Face Book and of course our programmes. The Tindall Foundation, along with our other funders and partners, have been instrumental in our success. What makes the support from The Tindall Foundation significant is that the donation was for three years - for us that’s long-term. This money supported us through the transition process when we began to develop the Teen Parent Centre Project to become independent of the Auckland Women’s Center and become Thrive Teen Parent Support Trust. This investment has given us the space to breathe to be able to think about what we are doing, ensuring we do it well and plan for the future. We have been able to get on and do the job and think strategically rather than spending our time focusing on where our next donation is coming from.  Also, the endorsement from The Foundation has helped us generate other funding, which will support us to be sustainable in the long-term. I have also  benefitted from a Tindall Foundation funded scholarship at Unitec to undertake a Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management.

We have 15 staff at Thrive and their contribution is outstanding. Thirteen of us either were, or currently are, young parents. This means we have an empathy and understanding for everyone who seeks our support. Every member of our staff team is making a difference to the lives of these young parents.

I’d like to introduce two inspiring young role models who are contributing so much to our organisation and sharing their own experiences to help others. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They bring many wonderful ideas that only young brains can come up with.

Josh Te Rore, 24, works as a Teen Parent Engagement Advisor. Father of two young girls, he works as a Teen Parent Engagement Advisor. Josh first came to Thrive when his first daughter was small and he was an 'amateur father trying to do his best'. He is now working successfully with our Young Dads Navigator and as a co-facilitator of our Toddler Time sessions.

Josh says that Thrive has taught him how to be a better parent. He has learnt valuable, practical parenting skills and now enjoys working as a mentor to other young fathers. “I don't try to pass on advice, instead I provide an ear and listen to their issues. I use my own personal experience as a young dad to help change their perceptions and challenge their ideas on certain things. We take a pressure-free approach. It's a family experience here at Thrive. It's a place to come, have some food, chat with others and get some support. ”

Alana Pethybridge, is mum to an energetic three-year-old girl. Having had her daughter when she was 19, she first came to Thrive to learn about parenting and take part in training and activities. She then became a volunteer and began working as a Teen Parent Engagement Advisor. She has recently completed her training in infant massage and is co-facilitating our Baby Talk sessions.

Alana says: “Thrive has helped me develop my skills and confidence as a parent. It is a great, positive environment and I have had so many training opportunities that have set my life on a new path. Thrive has opened doors for me and I am now able to teach infant massage, which is exciting, challenging and rewarding. Thrive helped me to figure out what kind of parent I wanted to be, and my daughter is happy because she knows I am happy.”

Volunteer’s Vintage Linen Benefits Foodbank

Posted 21/08/2012

The modern world’s hankering for things vintage and retro has seen a Dunedin woman’s idea to capitalise on the trend, converting vintage linen sales into much-needed funds for Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works.

In just six months Mrs Barbara Rowe, of Mornington, and supporters of her venture have sourced, washed, bleached, stain-removed, dried, repaired, starched and ironed delicate vintage linen to sell on TradeMe and raise $1000 for the foodbank.

Mrs Rowe gained extensive knowledge about linen from her time as Convenor of the Mornington Presbyterian Church’s linen fairs and sales, when fundraising for the church centre.

“Once fundraising was over I still held donated vintage linen, so after listening to Presbyterian Support speakers talk about the need for funds, I was motivated to get to work again,” said Mrs Rowe.

“People know of the venture, so drop off vintage pieces for me to prepare for sale. Much of it is stained so it takes a lot of time using different products to remove the marks, but I get there in the end.

As the venture is self-funding and Mrs Rowe wants to make as much as possible for the foodbank, she hand-makes envelopes specifically for each lot sold, and even decorates the cardboard used for packing. All up, the venture has become less of a hobby and more of a full time job.

Mrs Rowe, known as ‘Gran Bee’ on the auction site, lists six sets of linen every week, attracting buyers from throughout New Zealand.

Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust supporting the Opotiki community

Posted 18/02/2013

Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust in Opotiki are providing much needed family support, budgeting and life skills to their community. With the 2011 grant they received from the Tindall Foundation (via funding manager Acorn Foundation), they have been able to assist a growing number of families, empowering them to better manage their resources, through the acquisition of basic skills such as budgeting, cooking to save, clever shopping and growing their own vegetable gardens.

Young school leavers are also learning about rent, board, flatting etc, all important life skills seldom taught in schools. These skills courses are often the catalyst to address other areas of concern that the participants have, be they social, health, housing, employment or education. In this way they are empowering people to manage their lives better, and improve their quality of life.

Passing on skills to a new generation

Posted 16/08/2012

Supergrans is a charity that shares knowledge with those who need encouragement to better enable them to manage their resources. Staff and trained volunteers share their practical knowledge and skills in cooking, gardening, budgeting and other home management skills, supporting families and individuals to develop the skills to help themselves.

Supergrans original premise in Hampshire Street, Aranui was damaged in the earthquakes. Administration offices are now at the Foundation of the Blind in St Albans, but staff and volunteers are still working with people in their homes and in hubs across the city.

Helen Burke is a Supergrans is an in-home volunteer….

The 2010 Women’s Lifestyle Expo brought Helen Burke to Supergrans Christchurch. She says her work as an in-home volunteer was something she’d thought about doing years ago, when she had time.

Besides working in my husband’s electrical business doing the books, and looking after a grandchild, I wanted to do something for myself,’ says Helen.

‘We have a big family of three sons and three stepsons, so it was always a challenge to make a large amount of food on a budget and I enjoy being able to pass on these skills.

Helen’s clients may range from young mothers gearing up to become independent and go flatting, to those keen to pull their weight at home. Top of wish list is often the need to prepare hearty nutritious meals on a budget, and find economical ways to shop for ingredients. Meal preparation, baking, and household routines are covered.

‘We usually talk about the recipes we are going to make and how to look for ingredients in the supermarket. Supergrans has just put out a very good recipe book, Healthy Eating on a Budget that includes suggestions for what you should have in your pantry and tips for working with certain foods such as chicken. I have used a couple of recipes from that.’

Helen works with each of her clients for six weeks, completing a diary to monitor progress. Another six weeks is added if it’s going well. She meets with clients in their own homes for an hour each week, in addition to preparation time for each meeting.

‘My mother always did voluntary work. I was a leader in Scouting for 17 years and enjoyed working within the community. After retiring from Scouting I felt it was time to move on to something else.  It’s good to be busy while the family is so involved with sports.

‘While it can be a wee bit daunting the first time with a new client, it is certainly very rewarding work and good for me as well. The girls I work with do enjoy it, perhaps because we don’t place a huge amount of pressure on them. You get a lot of pleasure out of making a difference.’

Boxing for Life

Posted 02/07/2012

The Naenae Boxing Academy was formed in 2006 by Billy Graham, an internationally renowned boxer with NZ and Australian light welterweight boxing titles to his name. The Academy was a life-long dream for Billy who was inspired by his own experiences of growing up as a troubled young boy in Naenae, a suburb of Lower Hutt, Wellington. Taken under the wing of Dick Dunn, New Zealand's legendary boxing coach, Billy learnt from an early age to box without getting hurt and to have self respect and confidence, to listen, absorb wisdom and work incredibly hard towards a goal.

Billy wanted to help kids just like him, so he and his wife Kerri took out a mortgage and bought the former Salvation Army headquarters in Treadwell St, Naenae. They moved in to the church and set up the Naenae Boxing Academy. Billy and Kerri have largely funded the Academy themselves, but they also receive funding from many organisations and businesses. The Tindall Foundation, via the Nikau Foundation, helps to pay the fees of some of the young boxers who can’t afford to pay the subs. The Academy has also been supported by many others including the Vodafone NZ Foundation, Rotary, Harcourts, Resene Paints, Fuji Xerox, Cookie Time, as well as many trust funders and local businesses alike.

 Billy’s gym is adorned with boxing memorabilia and photos from all over the world. There are gloves of world champions and a very special boxing bag that he has had since he was a young boxer. He had the bag signed by some of the world’s most famous boxers including Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. On the bag it reads…To Billy Graham, good luck when you get your own gym.

From talking to Billy you are instantly drawn in by his relentless enthusiasm. You can see the commitment and passion of this man, who is considered by many as a father figure, teaching young men what acceptable male behaviour looks like. The Academy gives these boys a sense of identity, belonging and self worth - and they all have Billy Graham to thank.

Billy describes how his dream has become a reality and how he is using it to help so many young men in Naenae…We have around 80 boys a week aged from 11 to 18 come to the gym where they learn life-skills through the disciplines of boxing and physical fitness. You should see the passion in this place when it is full with these kids. They are unstoppable. It’s magic to see.

The boys have often been referred to us by their schools, the police or juvenile courts. Like me, some of them have difficulties with dyslexia; others have Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning and relationship difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse. Many have multiple issues going on in their lives so Kerri and I try to keep our emotions separate, but it is easier said than done.

We have very high standards here. We expect the lads to stick to the rules – no alcohol, no involvement in drugs, no smoking, no swearing, no iPods, no beanies, caps, hoods or patches. Regular attendance and personal training is compulsory. We teach the scientific side of self-defence rather than how to be fighters. Our aim is to turn the young boys in to healthy young men. We work on attitudes and self control. We teach them respect for their families and how to understand and care for their bodies. We instil humour, self esteem, respect, good citizenship and communication skills. We give them skills to cope with the stresses and challenges of everyday life. We’re always telling them to have a dream, to share it with others and not to be afraid to ask for help. For many, this is the only positive environment they experience and it’s the only exposure they have to encouraging and optimistic role models.

The boys take part in other activities such table tennis, group games, singing, public speaking and learning a musical instrument. We feed the kids too. For some of them it will be the only decent meal they’ll have all day. It’s heartbreaking at times.

We take a wider approach to address the boys’ issues by working with teachers and police and we are available for them 24 hours a day. We also run weekly classes for 'at risk' students from local schools, visiting schools to talk to pupils about motivation and lifestyle choice. We provide one-on-one counselling for at risk youth and family counselling for the boys’ families.

We are also having an impact on the local Naenae community. There has been a significant reduction in graffiti in Naenae and in association with the Hutt City Council we instigated and helped with the repainting of retail shops in Naenae at no cost to the retailers. This really helped improve the retail image around the town.

The police officer in charge of Naenae Community Policing Centre is hugely supportive and complementary of the programmes we run. He believes the Academy has a positive impact on Naenae and the wider community and has been an important contributor in the reduction of crime across the board in the Naenae area.

We also receive positive reports from local schools confirming major changes in the lives and attitudes of the boys we work with.

Here’s what two of our boys have to say:

Geoffrey, 16 years, has been with us since 2011: “Naenae Boxing Academy has made me a better person. It helped my confidence go up. Billy is a great coach. He’s teaching me good boxing skills. He’s done a lot for me and other boxers. He takes good care of us. He disciplined us through boxing and made me a better man.”

Jarrod, 20 years, has been with us since the beginning: “The Naenae Boxing Academy has been a second home for me for six years and coming to the gym is usually one of the highlights of my week. I have gained many skills here, not only in the ring but also in my personal life. And to top it off I have made heaps of friends.”

One of the young men who has now left the gym wrote the following words of gratitude to Billy. His parents have become members of the Academy’s exclusive supporters ‘250 Club’ in recognition of how the Academy was instrumental in changing the life of their son….

I sincerely thank you with all my heart for all that you and the gym has done for me. You have given me confidence and skills that will be of great importance throughout my life. You gave me the confidence to walk into a room with my head held high and be able to shake hands with those I don’t know and do know.

I thank you for the patience and the many hours you have put in to helping me and those like me. …All of the three and a half years of your teachings I shall carry with me for the rest of my life.

Individuals can support the ongoing success of Naenae Boxing Academy by becoming a member of its 250 Club.  Contact kerri@teambilly.co.nz, www.naenaeboxingacademy.co.nz  

Storytime Foundation

Posted 19/06/2012

Storytime Foundation is "encouraging moments of magic" for lower income Auckland families by helping them access books to read to their children.

Their Books for Babies programme has been operating in Auckland since 1997.  They work with Plunket and WellChild/Tamariki Ora providers and libraries to deliver five books to a family over the first 18 months of their child’s life. 

"It is well-documented in research that reading to a child is a significant, positive element in bonding, essential to their learning development," said Tony Culliney, Storytime Foundation CEO.

The programme is highly valued by service providers, who promote the value of reading to children.  They identify families with high needs who would benefit from receiving books from Storytime Foundation.  Plunket nurses deliver the books on visits to babies. 

One Plunket nurse commented: "I am beside myself with pleasure when I hear from mothers saying ‘I received a library card for my baby’.  It’s their baby’s very first card to take part in the community - very special."

In September 2011, Storytime Foundation reached the milestone of giving the 50,000^th Books for Babies book to an Auckland family.  Over 10,000 families have been issued books.

The Tindall Foundation is supporting Storytime Foundation with their national expansion of the Books for Babies programme.

For more information contact: Tony Culliney, CEO, Storytime Foundation

Email: tony@storytime.org.nz

Website: www.storytime.org.nz

Project Lyttelton

Posted 23/05/2012

After the Canterbury earthquakes, Lyttelton Time Bank was inundated with calls for help and offers of support from individuals and organisations within their community.

Project Lyttelton used earthquake recovery funds from The Tindall Foundation to support the Lyttelton Time Bank. 

"The Time Bank took on a central role both in the immediate aftermath and ongoing recovery process," said Margaret Jefferies of Project Lyttelton.  "It’s keeping this community connected and together through what has been arguably the most challenging time in its history."

Time Bankers hold garage sales for Lyttelton community groups every Saturday.  Different community groups from across Lyttelton book the garage sale and keep the proceeds of the day for their cause.  It enables community groups to generate their own income, share with others about what they’re doing, and have a place to recycle their unwanted goods.  Lyttelton lost its Op Shop in the September earthquake.

The Tindall Foundation funds have also been used to support the Lyttelton Farmers' Market.  Before the earthquakes, it drew in 2,000 people from Christchurch, and made a significant contribution to the economy of the town.  The market was threatened by tunnel and road closures to Lyttelton.  Project Lyttelton has contracted a market manager to work with traders and local businesses to ensure the market stays open in the future. 

For more information contact: Margaret Jefferies, Chairperson, Project Lyttelton

Email: timebank@lyttelton.net.nz

Website: www.lyttelton.net.nz/timebank

Enviroschools

Posted 11/05/2012

Every Friday lunchtime 25 students at Pakuranga College work on their Pakuranga Organic Project ("POP") food garden, growing produce to sell to staff and share with each other.

Pakuranga College is one of 800 Enviroschools throughout New Zealand where students are taking practical action to create healthier, more sustainable communities. 

POP was initiated and is led by secondary school students, as part of their Environment Council activities.  The students have planted fruit trees, utilised the existing greenhouse and started growing herbs last spring.

The Enviroschools network connects with early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools.  Support is provided by The Enviroschools Foundation in partnership with a regional network of over 70 agencies.

The Tindall Foundation is funding the Enviroschools network to strengthen and extend school and community-based food production through a 3-year project called 'Kai in Communities'. 

"Growing, preparing and sharing healthy kai is a really beautiful way for children to learn," said Heidi Mardon, National Director of the Enviroschools Foundation.  "They have so much fun designing and building gardens, nurturing plants and then harvesting and cooking.  And these projects are helping all of us connect with our land, our cultures and our communities."

The first year of the project has highlighted some inspirational examples, such as POP, and many possible ways to develop and increase the number of schools producing and enjoying their own kai.

For more information contact:

Heidi Mardon, National Director, The Enviroschools Foundation

Email: heidi.mardon@enviroschools.org.nz

Website: www.enviroschools.org.nz

Gap Filler

Posted 23/04/2012

Emerging from the rubble of the Christchurch earthquakes, Gap Filler brings vacant sites - awaiting redevelopment due to one of the many earthquakes - back to life with a variety of temporary creative projects and events. Some of these include art installations, community spaces, a book exchange in a glass-fronted fridge, a bicycle powered cinema and even a dance floor on a vacant site with coin-operated lighting and sound. Staff and Volunteers of Gap Filler are doing this for community benefit, to establish a distinct and vibrant culture of innovation and creativity in activated urban space; therefore making the city of Christchurch dynamic, interesting and energised. 

Gap Filler staff, a core team of Christchurch residents with mixed skills and interests, and their many volunteers work with local community groups, landowners, students and their teachers, businesses, artists, designers, and engineers on their projects. They actively seek to involve members of the community in design, preparations, installation and maintenance of projects, while handling legal contracts and liability insurance on their behalf.

In the words of Coralie Winn of Gap Filler: The response from local people has been "extremely positive because for people to see something happening on a vacant site is very powerful. It makes them feel hopeful and also encourages them to be positive. It's been so bad, so severe and so sad, what can you do but try and turn it around and adapt and change and really engage with what has happened head on? Rather than try to go back to what was, because what was will never be again."

Gap Filler projects pop up as spaces become available around Christchurch, demonstrating that the city can grow in important ways without large capital expenditure or major construction. The Tindall Foundation is funding Gap Filler to continue to run the organisation, as we recognise the work as a genuine people-centred initiative, focusing on community engagement within the recovery process.

Email: Coralie Winn

Website: http://www.gapfiller.org.nz/

Lyttelton Time Bank

Posted 16/03/2012

One of the organisations The Tindall Foundation has been funding through our Emergency Response Fund is Project Lyttelton, a non-profit grassroots organisation committed to building sustainable, connected community. 

Project Lyttelton supports a number of initiatives in and around Lyttelton, one of these is The Time Bank, which has gained momentum since the Canterbury earthquakes.

Time Banking is a way of trading skills in a community. It uses time, rather than money, as the measurement tool. Members of a Time Bank share their skills with other members within the community and are given time credits for the work they do. With credits they gain, each member can 'buy' someon else's time, and get the service they need. Time Banks build social capital. 

Margaret Jefferies, Chairperson of Project Lyttelton said "We in Project Lyttelton, together with the increasing number of time bank communities around New Zealand, believe that time banks provide an amazing tool for community development. In lyttelton we know what a significant role a time bank can play in a time of disaster. It can quickly mobilise people to various tasks, but it also cares for the needs of people as we learn to share and look after one another."

Project Lyttelton used earthquake recovery funds from The Tindall Foundation to support the Lyttelton Time Bank, as they were inundated with additional demand by the community following the Canterbury earthquakes. There are currently 435 members of The Lyttelton Time Bank, which is run and led by three part time project co-ordinators. The Lyttelton Time Bank continues to offer support to new and fledgling time banks around New Zealand. A new version of Community Weaver software allows New Zealand communities to adapt the programme for their particular time bank use.

Email: Margaret Jefferies

Website: http://www.lyttelton.net.nz/timebank

Waste Resource Trust Waiheke

Posted 23/12/2011

“I’m passionate about getting people to think about waste as a resource and not just something they throw away,” said Dorte Wray, Manager of the Waste Resource Trust (WRT).

The Tindall Foundation provided funding for Dorte to undertake a young social entrepreneur internship with Clean Stream Waiheke Limited (CSWL) - a charitable company owned by WRT.

CSWL ran the recycling station on Waiheke Island and other community recycling projects.  In 2009, CSWL lost the refuse and recycling contract for Waiheke Island.  The Tindall Foundation continued to fund the internship, seeing it as an opportunity to learn first-hand how losing a major contract can affect a community organisation. 

WRT reviewed their work and considered what the community as a whole needs.  They are now focusing on broader initiatives than community recycling, such as planning Waiheke Island’s inaugural Sustainability Festival in 2012. 

“The internship gave me practical experience to be super-involved in all aspects of the organisation,” said Dorte.  “It was a fantastic opportunity to gain intimate knowledge of how the organisation ran - learning, observing and evaluating as we went along.”

Waiheke Island’s 8,000 residents already “punch above their weight in terms of sustainability”, said Dorte.  With over 750,000 visitors a year, WRT’s long-term goal is to make Waiheke a “true model” for sustainability, through programmes and setting up an Environment Centre.

For more information contact: Dorte Wray, Manager, Waste Resource Trust

Email: dorte@wrt.org.nz

Website: www.wrt.org.nz

Monte Cecilia Housing Trust

Posted 26/01/2012

Monte Cecilia Housing Trust (MCHT) is providing housing and practical assistance for many vulnerable and isolated families in Auckland.

“As families move through our service, I see that sustainable housing enables them to regain their confidence, wellbeing and autonomy over their lives,” said Jeanne Warmington, Social Work Practice Manager.

Funding from The Tindall Foundation has assisted Jeanne and a team of four Housing Social Workers to work alongside families living in houses owned or managed by MCHT, and to support families faced with homelessness in West and South Auckland communities.  Their advocacy services address wider needs, which can include health and disabilities, budgeting and parenting.

MCHT has experienced significant growth.  Over the last five years, it has increased its housing portfolio to 24 houses, including seven new high-standard houses in Mangere.  Families came out of the residential housing programme, and from substandard housing, boarding houses and overcrowded homes.

In the past year, MCHT has been working with agencies and local residents to provide a housing hub at the Western Park Village Caravan Park in Ranui.  The hub helps families with housing advice and job information, access to computers, and a community garden project at the caravan park.

For more information contact: Jeanne Warmington, Practice Manager

Email: jeanne@montececilia.org.nz

Website: http://montececilia.org.nz

Advance Ashburton

Posted 20/02/2012

“The world has come to our town!” proclaimed Elizabeth Ashford, Trustee of Advance Ashburton Community Foundation. 

“The last census in 2006 showed that 10% of Ashburtonians were born overseas, with a startling 37% arriving within the previous three years.  This trend has accelerated.  For example, the number of Filipino dairy workers has increased from 21 in 2006 to 200 in 2009.”

These newcomers came to Ashburton to work and to join family.  But settling into a new town and district isn’t easy, especially as many were facing a very different culture and language.  Agencies in the community were concerned about their well-being and helped establish a Newcomers Network.

Funds from The Tindall Foundation, through the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation, have helped pay for a Coordinator for the Network.  The Coordinator has raised the profile of the Network, provided information, and organised classes and events, such as craft and cooking classes, walking and playgroups. One of the most popular events is the Multi-Cultural Bite, where the rich cultural diversity in Mid-Canterbury is celebrated with food, dance and costume.

As a Community Foundation, it provides a simple and long-lasting way for individuals and families to help charitable causes in the Ashburton District.  Advance Ashburton acts as a Funding Manager for The Tindall Foundation in the Mid-Canterbury region in the Programme Area of Supporting Families and Social Services.

For more information contact: Elizabeth Ashford, Trustee

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation

Email: advanceashburton@farmside.co.nz

Website: www.advanceashburton.co.nz

Te Whangai Trust

Posted 27/01/2012

A couple from Miranda with a "passion for our people and the environment" has established a social enterprise to provide employment training for long-term unemployed and at-risk youth at their native plant nursery.

Set up in 2007, Te Whangai Trust helps large groups of WINZ and Corrections clients from local communities to make the transition to permanent work or education.  As 90% of participants are Maori, they use a culturally sensitive approach that involves the whole whanau.  In October 2011, 143 trainees had found full-time employment in the community, and 24 are currently at the Trust.

Gary Dalton, a fifth generation Miranda farmer, and his Justice of the Peace wife, Adrienne, founded the organisation and run day-to-day operations on their farm. 

"The Te Whangai Team exemplify the potential and latent skills of our youth - the vast majority of whom want to work and up-skill themselves," said Adrienne Dalton.

TWT has a long-term vision to become self-sustaining, by selling native plants to publicly funded projects, businesses and various organisations undertaking environmental compliance planting.  In 2010, TWT sold 45,000 trees to clients in South Auckland, Waikato and the Coromandel.  At the end of 2011, sales had increased to 62,000 trees, largely as a result of their contract with NZ Steel.

The Tindall Foundation is contributing funds towards their administrative processes.

For more information contact: Adrienne Dalton, Trustee, Te Whangai Trust

Email: g.adalton@xtra.co.nz

Website: www.tewhangai.com

Canterbury Youth Services

Posted 26/01/2012

Canterbury Youth Services (CYS) is committed to the wellbeing of the 33,000 teenagers affected by the recent earthquakes in Canterbury.

In response to the earthquakes, CYS identified a need across their wide network of youth services in Christchurch for a qualified counsellor to work with young people coping with grief and many upheavals.

Counselling has helped those who are adjusting to living in the "red zone" and facing anxious situations, for example when entering multi-level buildings or covered car parks.

The Tindall Foundation provided funding for Karen Hanafin to be based at CYS to help clients with strategies to deal with these issues, build resiliency and manage the many changes they face.

From April to September 2011, the counsellor provided 324 hours of counselling for 34 young people, 20 family members and 32 youth workers. 

"This is a long road back to normality and the impact of past earthquakes and fears of another in the future have taken a huge toll on the wellbeing of our young people in this city," said Tessa Dodge, CYS Office Manager.

CYS has reported some positive outcomes from counselling.  One young person had been in a major collapsing building and presented for counselling in a traumatised state.  The counsellor helped her to make such progress that she has since secured a good job.

For more information contact: Tessa Dodge, Office Manager, Canterbury Youth Services

Email: tessa@cys.org.nz

Website: www.cys.org.nz

SPACE (Supporting Parents Alongside Children’s Education)

Posted 23/12/2011

“It’s great to have a parent group that offers more than just coffee and a chat,” remarked one SPACE parent.

SPACE is a 30-week support group for first time parents with newborn babies.  Parents discuss relevant child development and parenting topics, and have play sessions that support their children’s learning.

“The value of SPACE for parents is almost immeasurable.  As a first time parent it’s quite an isolating experience and SPACE brings you out of the home and into a community,” said Sarah Te One, SPACE NZ Trustee.

In 2011, 118 SPACE programmes were being run nationally, and 299 programmes had been completed since the two pilot programmes were started by the Hutt Playcentre Association in 2003.

The programme is delivered throughout New Zealand by a range of organisations including Playcentre, faith-based groups and community groups.  It has a flexible structure which allows organisations to adapt it to meet the needs of first time parents in their community. 

Organisations are working together collaboratively to deliver SPACE in their local community.  An example of this is in Auckland, where St Peter’s Anglican Church in Pakuranga is working with Plunket Parents as First Teachers to run SPACE.

The Tindall Foundation funding has enabled SPACE to become a national organisation.  SPACE NZ Trust was formed in October 2010.

For more information contact: Leanne Dawson, SPACE NZ Manager

Email: leanne@space.org.nz

Website: www.space.org.nz

Living Legends

Posted 19/12/2011

While Rugby World Cup 2011 was kicking off, thousands of New Zealanders were 'mucking in' with Rugby Legends as they planted native trees and shrubs around the country.

Living Legends coordinated 17 native tree planting projects during Rugby World Cup 2011.  Each planting project is dedicated to a Rugby Legend, chosen for their significant contribution to rugby in New Zealand. 

The Legend for the Auckland planting on Motuihe Island was Bryan Williams, who joined the All Blacks when he was 19.  When asked if he could give one piece of advice to young people of New Zealand, Bryan said "have dreams, set goals, and work hard to realise them".

Over 400 volunteers took the ferry to Motuihe Island and planted 6,500 native plants.  More than 5000 volunteers registered throughout New Zealand for the Living Legends project.

The idea for Living Legends was birthed in 2009, when The Tindall Foundation asked conservation organisation Project Crimson to lead a project that would create a green legacy during Rugby World Cup 2011.  Merdian and the Department of Conservation then joined the project to give New Zealanders and international visitors the opportunity to enjoy and contribute to the environment.

"The benefit of an extra 83,000 native plants across the country is extraordinary, and with so many people involved in the plantings, they will be enjoyed for years to come," said Devon McLean, Project Manager.

For more information contact:  Devon McLean, Project Manager

Email: devon@livinglegends.co.nz

Website: www.livinglegends.co.nz

Christchurch Earthquake Response

Posted 21/12/2011

The Tindall Foundation has taken a considered response to the Christchurch earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011, after wide consultation about the best ways to help.

Our response has been to listen to on-ground partners, collaborate with others, take both an immediate response and longer-term approach, and trust those closest to the action.

This has resulted in prompt unconditional donations to our eight social service Funding Manager partners in Canterbury, along with quick responses to others helping people to recover and restore their lives, communities and environments.

For example, Baptist Churches of New Zealand delivered 5,000 snuggle bags and 200 duvets to people’s homes, and 1,000 water bottles were delivered to the Christchurch City Mission to distribute.  These items were greatly needed in the snowy conditions during winter.  They were all provided at a discount price by The Warehouse Limited, which also donated 2,200 mink blankets and delivered all the goods free of charge.

Longer term, we have committed to a further $4 million, making this a minimum of $5 million over the next 4 or so years.  This is primarily for groups and initiatives which help people and communities recover and reform around their 'new normal'.  To assist with this work, The Tindall Foundation has contracted a Christchurch-based project manager in partnership with the Todd Foundation.

For more information contact: Dave Richards, The Tindall Foundation

Email: dave.richards@tindall.org.nz

Community Foundations Workshop

Posted 19/12/2011

Community Foundations are working together to provide resources that will make a lasting difference in their local communities.

In March 2010, 68 voluntary Trustees from 11 Community Foundations throughout New Zealand gathered in Wellington to learn more about encouraging generosity in their local regions.

The Tindall Foundation and J R McKenzie Trust funded this second Community Foundations workshop, following the success of the first.

The Tindall Foundation has been generous with its support as it sees community foundations being crucial to the wellbeing of local communities.  New Zealand Community Foundations provide a vehicle for people to give effectively to their local community. 

It is one of the fastest growing forms of philanthropy internationally.  These place-based foundations simplify philanthropic giving for people wanting to "give where they live".

Workshop speakers included the Melbourne Community Foundation CEO Sarah Davies and Wellington fundraising expert Kitty Hilton.

For more information contact:

Nicky Wilkins, Acorn Foundation Executive Officer
Email: nicky@acornfoundation.co.nz

Website: www.acornfoundation.co.nz

Nurturing the Future

Posted 18/01/2011

Since Nurturing the Future opened their Community Hub in Greymouth in February 2010, hundreds of people are welcomed through the doors each week.

The Hub is a gathering place where everyone in the community feels at home.  It offers a warm environment for people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing them together to learn through educational workshops, gain support through therapeutic, health and advocacy services, meet friends and have fun.

Trish Hunt, who established Nurturing the Future Trust in 2009, says "We're unique because we offer support and advice anytime. We respond to local need, so if it's a 'stop smoking' course the community wants then that's what we will do. We act on feedback and we have had an overwhelmingly positive response. This week we had 30 women in to have health checks. These women would normally have fallen through the net. They would never have gone to their local doctor."

With its dedicated volunteers and five staff, The Hub is equipped to run such wide-ranging activities as first aid courses, gardening, Tai Chi classes and breastfeeding workshops.

"We do the serious stuff like alcohol and drug education, and have experts to talk about family violence and child advocacy, but we also offer fun. We run movie nights where the whole family comes along for fish and chips. The Hub provides a strong and positive social network for the community," says Trish.

"People have learnt so much through our courses and have been so inspired that they are now teaching others. We develop people's skills and encourage them to share them. This is how the community gives back."

Nurturing the Future has a strong focus on parenting.  Mums, dads and families can talk and learn together about issues they face, sharing knowledge and experiences and supporting each other.

Parent-to-parent mentoring has been a huge success, with parent volunteers taking new people under their wing.

"They look after them and give them all the information they need. They tell their own personal stories - sharing knowledge is really empowering for people," says Trish.

One local mum, Mel, credits The Hub for helping her to be a better parent. She says: "I take part in all the courses on offer. Without these I wouldn't have coping mechanisms I need to be a good parent. We are an extended family here. We prop each other up. If I am having a hard time because my daughter's teething and sick, there's always someone to give me advice and support."

Mel's 8-month-old daughter Kira is learning social skills from being around other children. "My daughter has started socialising from a young age. She's developing so many skills."

The Tindall Foundation has contributing funding towards the set-up and general operating costs of The Hub.

For more information contact:

Trish Hunt, Kaitiaki (holder of the vision), Nurturing the Future Trust

Email: ntf1@vodafone.co.nz

Website: www.ntf.org.nz

Pacific Peoples Advancement Trust

Posted 18/01/2011

Village Sports Academy (VSA) offers a unique sports course. Not only is it giving young people formal qualifications so they can get jobs and pursue careers, it's transforming their lives, boosting their self-esteem and teaching life skills to help them succeed.

Established by former All Blacks Michael Jones and Vaaiga Tuigamala, VSA is designed to maximise young people's potential by using their interest in sport and athletic skill as a hook into education and employment.

Since August 2009, VSA has trained 274 students, all of whom left school with no, or very few, qualifications.  In December 2010, 113 young people graduated and will go on to further education or get work.

Famous rugby player Eroni Clarke mentors the students. He says: "We teach them that it's not just about becoming fitter, faster, stronger athletes – it's about becoming good people. We focus on their beliefs, values and identity."

Vavakiola Fosite, 20, has always had a passion for volleyball and dreamed of being a PE teacher, but finished school without the necessary qualifications.

"I got into a group that wasn’t going anywhere. VSA has taught me how to learn. It's been hard work, but I've learnt so much and now I will graduate and I'm applying for teachers college."

"Everyone on the course wants to be someone. If you are falling behind there's always someone to push you. I've learnt about leadership, sports psychology and anatomy.  VSA has given me the pathway to further education. I want to go to Tonga and teach PE – that way I can give something back."

Nuka Gemmell, 20, was on the benefit when WINZ told him about VSA. The boxer and father-of-two credits VSA for challenging him to succeed.

"I left boxing, went off the rails and started drinking. What got me back on track? Being here, seeing other people reaching their goals, motivating each other.  I feel like I am getting somewhere."

“Now I'm back on the boxing scene and I’m training hard for the 2012 Olympics. If I stick to training there's no doubt I'll get there.  I'm getting the best of both worlds because I'm getting an education too."

Michael Jones is committed to seeing the students succeed: "This course costs the students nothing. All we expect is their time and a huge commitment.  We remove the barriers so they can learn, and we make sure they are surrounded by good role models."

The Tindall Foundation supports employment initiatives for those in greatest need.  The Foundation is funding the Pacific Peoples Advancement Trust – a partnership between three Pasifika organisations, including VSA, supported by Maori tertiary provider Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

For further information contact:

Alison Leauanae, Co-ordinator, Pacific Peoples Advancement Trust

Email: macal@maxnet.co.nz

Budgeting Service

Posted 23/09/2010

Maureen Little knows all too well how the rising cost of living and the temptation of easy credit can play havoc with your finances.

After 23 years at Presbyterian Support Northern, the Budgeting Service Manager has seen many people who suddenly find they can no longer cope.

"The rising cost of living, increasing consumer demand and the ready availability of credit are all driving up expenditure and debt, with many ending up in very difficult financial positions," says Maureen. "Because most clients who come to us are in a crisis situation, every effort is made to see them as soon as possible – even if this means working nights or weekends."

Presbyterian Support Northern's Budgeting service helps people evaluate their financial position, plan for the future and move from an indebted situation to financial independence whenever possible.

The service provides free financial advice and budget planning for people having difficulty managing their income and expenditure. Clients meet with a trained budgeter and together they go through their financial situation and draw up a budgeting plan.  The budgeter makes recommendations for simple and easy ways to cut down on expenses, pay off debts and get back on track.

"The aftermath of the recession is being seen on a daily basis by our budgeters," says Maureen. "Recently a budgeter met with a client who was struggling financially. As the interview progressed, it became obvious that the client had insufficient funds to purchase food. The client admitted she hadn't eaten for three days. The budgeter halted the meeting immediately and gave the client a hot meal, then they continued on to develop a financial plan that would help ease their financial burden."

Thanks to funding received by The Tindall Foundation, in 2009/10 the Budgeting service was able to assist 380 new clients and their families with a combined debt of well over $10 million.

Opotiki Youth Murals

Posted 21/05/2010

Opotiki youth are making their town a work of art, wall by wall, through the Youth Art in Public Places project.

Opotiki is a small rural town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with one of the largest youth populations by percentage in New Zealand.  It is a predominantly young and ageing community, and this generation gap has led to some frictions. 

"Three years ago, Opotiki was plagued by graffiti.  Businesses were forever cleaning scribbles off their walls, and something had to be done about it," says Opotiki Youth Aid Officer Constable Ian Dodds.

Opotiki Bluelight was looking for a project to restore the faith of the community in their young people.  Two years ago, Opotiki Police, through Opotiki Bluelight, formed a partnership with the Opotiki Children's Art House.  This resulted in a project that has seen more than 200 children from 12 schools painting 14 murals in areas around town that were previously graffiti targets.

"The project has always been more than painting a nice picture on a wall," says Constable Ian Dodds.  "It's about instilling a sense of civic pride with our young people and showing the business community what our young people can actually achieve."

Prior to the project, the police received 6-8 graffiti complaints a month.  Graffiti and tagging problems have decreased dramatically since the appearance of the murals, which haven't been vandalised.

The Acorn Foundation contributed funding, as a Tindall Foundation Funding Manager, for the 'Rua Whakairo' mural (meaning "the art of us all").  This mural was recently completed on the Smith City wall, which is about 40 metres long.  Three schools produced their own designs for their sections of the wall. 

Prints of the Opotiki murals will be featured at Te Papa for their murals programme from September 2010.

For further information contact:

Constable Ian Dodds, Opotiki Youth Aid Officer, Opotiki Police

Phone: 07 315 1117

Email: Ian.Dodds@police.govt.nz

Stone Soup

Posted 24/03/2010

What's the story behind the name 'Stone Soup'? 

A traveller arrived at a village carrying an empty pot.  The traveller said, "I am making Stone Soup, which tastes wonderful, although it would taste even better if it had a carrot."  One by one, each villager added different ingredients to the pot, and together they shared delicious Stone Soup.

A community in Whanganui has been sharing Stone Soup together since September 2007.  Stone Soup gatherings are run by community members and groups, including Christian and Maori youth organisation Te Ora Hou - Whanganui. 

Usually around 350 people gather at a local park every 8 weeks for hangi, games and music.

"We're helping to remove barriers, but the skills come from the community," says Judy Kumeroa of Te Ora Hou.  "That's the beauty of it - people are stepping up as they recognise they have something to offer."

Judy mentions a 19-year-old young man who is a "core Stone Soup worker", volunteering to get up at 4am to prepare the hangi at Te Ora Hou.

The community Stone Soup serves is generally low-income, with associated social issues.  Stone Soup gatherings are gang patch-free and no-alcohol events that have a positive focus on family and community. 

Community discussions are held during each Stone Soup gathering.  As a result, the community has started up a shared garden, crafts and walking groups, and an intermediate-age boys' club.

Stone Soup received funding from The Tindall Foundation through Whanganui Community Foundation, one of our regional Funding Managers.

For more information contact:

Judy Kumeroa, Manager Te Ora Hou (Whanganui)

Email: whanganui@teorahou.org.nz

Website: www.teorahou.org.nz

Auckland Women's Centre - Teen Parent Project

Posted 24/03/2010

Teen parents face the challenge of adapting to an adult role while still forming their own identity.

Since 2001, Auckland Women's Centre (AWC) has worked alongside young people as they go through the major life change of becoming parents. 

Approximately 600 young parents a year take part in the AWC Teen Parent Project.  AWC provides a positive parenting programme, events, mentoring, peer support, family services and youth-friendly resources.

One young mum says being involved in the project has given her "a great sense of purpose".

The Tindall Foundation is contributing funds towards developing the Teen Parent Project into a Teen Parent Centre.

"The donation from The Tindall Foundation is helping us turn our vision for a new centre into reality," says Annalise Myers, AWC Teen Parent Centre Development Manager.  "We have new resources to ensure it's innovative, sustainable and community-based."

AWC is working in partnership with a dedicated group of teen parents, community members and Massey University's SHORE research centre to identify directions for the new centre.

For more information contact:

Annalise Myers, AWC Teen Parent Centre Development Manager

Email: youngparent@womenz.org.nz

Website: www.awc.org.nz

Unitec Not-for-Profit Management Scholarships

Posted 28/01/2010

It is a challenging time for the not-for-profit sector in the current economic situation, and many organisations have had to take budget cuts in staff training. 

The Tindall Foundation scholarships for Unitec Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management students have made training more accessible for people working in the sector. 

The scholarships subsidise course fees for students, who are usually in their first year of study, are on relatively low incomes, or face the barrier of long-distance travel.

Students and their organisations alike benefit from the practical programme, which has classes on topics such as financial management and leadership skills.

This training would not be possible without scholarship funding for students working in small community organisations with limited resources.

"The lecturers provide a bridge between the work out there and the study I need to do to develop my skills," says student Zane Scarborough.  "The Tindall scholarship has supported me where my work wouldn't have been able to."

In 2008, The Tindall Foundation assisted 55 students on the Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management programme.

For more information contact:

Hilary Star Foged, Programme Director, Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management
Unitec New Zealand
Email: hstarfoged@unitec.ac.nz

Website: www.unitec.ac.nz

Future Life Foundation Trust

Posted 08/01/2010

Christchurch's Future Life Foundation Trust has established an innovative way for at-risk youth to gain self-esteem and enhance their employment opportunities - through a log-building project.

Young people are taught the specialised techniques used to construct log buildings, plus the care and handling of chainsaws.

Last year a dozen young men constructed the shell of a log building to head height, tutored by Graeme Mould of the Log Builders Association of NZ.

The participants all gained NZQA standards in chainsaw proficiency as well as a great sense of pride in their accomplishments, says Dick Maskill, originator of the project.

"You would not believe the effect it has had on them. The work is quite demanding, but by applying themselves they've gained an immense boost in self-esteem. One has carried on to further experience in the log-building industry, while several others have improved their career situations."

For the project, the Future Life Foundation worked in conjunction with the Bluelight Canterbury Youth Development Programme Trust, a movement set up to help young offenders turn their lives around.  "We couldn't carry the project on our own," says Maskill, "but its aims fit perfectly with those of the CYDP."

Stage Two of the pilot building programme, scheduled for January 2010, is to complete the log shell through to the roof structure. On completion, it will be used as a display building to gain orders for similar buildings from community organisations.  Several organisations have already expressed interest in buying such a building.

Future Life Foundation Trust received Tindall Foundation funding which was approved by the Christchurch Catholic Diocesan Welfare Council, acting as a Faith-based Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Dick Maskill, Future Life Foundation Trust

Email: rd.maskill@xtra.co.nz

OMEGA (Opportunities for Migrant Employment in Greater Auckland)

Posted 28/01/2010

Unemployment and under-employment are the reality for many skilled immigrants arriving in New Zealand.

The OMEGA Mentoring Programme is helping to build diverse and effective workplaces by linking immigrants with similarly skilled business professionals, who offer sector-specific mentoring with the aim of removing the barriers preventing entry to the workforce.

"If I remove the input I've had, it is possible that I would have continued without success for a long time.  The mentoring made a big difference," says Vaughan Granier, who arrived from Dubai.

OMEGA has facilitated over 170 mentoring matches since its inception in 2008, and 80% of mentees who complete the programme find relevant employment. 

There have been 12 internship placements to date - a good outcome in a time of economic and job insecurity. 

OMEGA works in partnership with corporates, government and community organisations, including the Auckland Regional Migrant Services Charitable Trust (ARMS).

The Tindall Foundation introduced the concept of OMEGA to the Committee for Auckland, and funded its set-up, after seeing the success of TRIEC, a similar project run by the Maytree Foundation in Toronto. 

For more information contact:

Justin Treagus, OMEGA Programme Director
Email: justin.treagus@omega.org.nz

Website: www.omega.org.nz

Christians Against Poverty NZ

Posted 28/01/2010

Many New Zealanders have been pushed into financial crisis by the economic recession.  Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is changing people's lives by helping them become debt-free.

"Clients often don't have the financial knowledge or education to manage their money and it's a change in circumstances that pushes them over the edge," says Tara Kirby of CAP.

CAP is an in-depth debt counselling service that works through local churches.  It started in the UK 13 years ago and arrived in New Zealand in January 2008.  They have already opened 4 centres here and helped over 140 families out of debt.

Each client is visited in their home by a debt advisor and support worker to work together on a budget.  The client then makes a weekly payment into a CAP account to cover all their debts, which CAP distributes on their behalf.

Mother-of-six Josie was struggling to buy her family essentials like milk and school clothes before CAP helped her how to budget better.  "They've taken all the stress off me," she says.

In 2008, The Tindall Foundation provided funding to help CAP NZ establish its national office.

For more information contact:

Tara Kirby, Head of Partnership, Christians Against Poverty

Email: tara.kirby@capnz.org

Website: www.capnz.org

Computer Clubhouse

Posted 11/01/2010

Clubhouse 274 is providing an innovative after-school hub which is connecting Otara youth into the digital community.

The Clubhouse is New Zealand's first member of an international network of over 100 Computer Clubhouses, initiated through the Museum of Science and MIT Media Labs in Boston.

The Computer Clubhouse Trust was formed by the community to promote high levels of digital fluency in young people.  Through the Clubhouse, youth are re-engaging with school and establishing career pathways for themselves.

The community approach to ICT includes a purpose-built Computer Clubhouse located on the campus of Te Whanau o Tupuranga and Clover Park Middle School, a free community high speed Wireless Network and access to low-cost laptops. 

Clubhouse members learn about music and video production, robotics, 3D modelling, animation and photography.

"Before I came to Clubhouse I didn't realise I could write and record music, but now I can," says Ofoi Tamumoelau from Te Whanau o Tupuranga. 

The Tindall Foundation helped fund the set-up of the Computer Clubhouse Wireless network and a development lab within the University of Auckland, as well as the pilot laptop project.

For more information contact:

Kane Milne, Community Manager, Clubhouse 274

Email: kane@clubhouse274.org.nz

Website: www.clubhouse274.org.nz

Hikurangi Foundation

Posted 06/03/2012

The Hikurangi Foundation is New Zealand’s incubator for low-carbon social innovation. 

Since 2008 Hikurangi has facilitated over 20 targeted and positive engagements on climate change in New Zealand. These engagements have reached across regions, cultures and sectors, and have been delivered in partnership with over 70 different organisations, communities, and institutions.

Hikurangi is now focusing on being New Zealand's incubator for low-carbon social innovation, using a venture philanthropy model to accelerate practical, collaborative and entrepreneurial action in the areas of transport, energy, land-use, living, and enterprise. Combined, we see these as the critical sectors that will enable the transition to thriving and resilient New Zealand.

Hikurangi’s overarching approach is designed to catalyse solutions to unmet needs and neglected opportunities – this approach is built around three interconnected work programmes: People, Platforms, and Projects.

'People' is about developing the skills and competencies required to lead change and social innovation in a diverse, complex and fast-moving world. 

'Platforms' is about providing space and facilitating processes that enable actors to build relationships, align their interests, and pool their knowledge and resources - this develops a basis for cooperative action and the potential for shared value creation.

'Projects' is about incubating, validating and scaling solutions that have the potential to deliver big social and environmental impact - we do this through investing a combination of finance, skills, and mentoring.

Hikurangi was founded in 2008 with funding from the Tindall Foundation and Todd Foundation. 

For more information or if you see opportunities to collaborate and do things better please contact:

Alex Hannant, Executive Director, The Hikurangi Foundation

Email: alex@hikurangi.org.nz
Website: www.hikurangi.org.nz

SCOPE - Capacity Building

Posted 01/02/2011

SCOPE - Capacity Building

Many Auckland not-for-profit groups are strengthening their capacity to become even more effective at delivering quality services for their communities.

In 2005, The Tindall Foundation funded the 2-year SCOPE (Strengthening Community Organisations Project) pilot in the Auckland area.  Fifty small community organisations were assisted by not-for-profit sector consultants, at no charge to the groups. 

McLaren Park and Henderson South Community Initiative (MPHS), in West Auckland, was a recipient of SCOPE funding.  They received coaching on financial systems, governance and strategic planning.

"We now have strong internal structures and five funding agreements for 3-4 years that enable us to get on with our work," says MPHS Manager Rochana Sheward.

MPHS manages various community development programmes, such as their Project Twin Streams contract to restore the Oratia and Opanuku stream banks.

The SCOPE Long-term Outcomes Evaluation Report was published in June 2009.  SCOPE was a turning point for the sustainability of many other organisations. 

The Tindall Foundation has since contracted NFP Works Ltd, an independent business, to provide capacity building support to small Tindall Foundation-funded community organisations in Auckland and Northland.

For more information contact:

Dave Richards, Projects and Strategy Manager, The Tindall Foundation
Email: dave.richards@tindall.org.nz

Website: www.tindall.org.nz/scope-capacity-building-pilot-project

Carbon Farming Group

Posted 08/01/2010

The Carbon Farming Group (CFG) is keeping New Zealand farmers informed of climate change issues, with an online carbon calculator and suggestions on how to reduce farm emission levels. 

CFG provides independent, neutral information through their website, newsletters and factsheets.  Their simple carbon calculator shows farmers what their carbon footprint might look like, by working out the level of emissions from their farms averaged over New Zealand conditions.

"We keep a watching brief on climate change and look at wider farm sustainability," says Clayton Wallwork, forestry consultant and CFG trustee.

When CFG was launched in June 2008, their focus was to inform the rural sector of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) legislation.  While that is still a core focus, the CFG is looking to provide information on other relevant issues for local farmers, such as Soil Carbon.

The Tindall Foundation undertook a climate change scan which instigated the development of an umbrella group on activities and services related to land-based climate change.  CFG was subsequently set up as a charitable trust with funding from The Tindall Foundation.

For more information contact:

Clayton Wallwork, Carbon Faming Group 

Email: info@carbonfarming.org.nz

Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 123 733

Website: www.carbonfarming.org.nz

Volunteering New Zealand

Posted 08/01/2010

More than one million New Zealanders are actively involved in volunteer work, making up about 67 per cent of the non-profit workforce.

Volunteering NZ (VNZ) is a national body which works to promote, support and represent volunteering across New Zealand.  This includes coordinating Volunteer Awareness Week and International Volunteer Day.

Volunteering gives students work experience and helps new migrants to "get connected" within communities.

"Volunteers contribute millions of unpaid hours to sports and recreation, health, education, arts, animal welfare, cultural and faith communities, human rights, the environment and emergency services," says Tim Burns, VNZ Executive Director.

VNZ has observed generational differences in how people choose to volunteer and find their volunteering opportunities.  VolunteerNow, VNZ's volunteering opportunities website, is used much more by younger people than those in the 60s-plus age group.

The economic recession has definitely had an impact on volunteering.  In the past year, VNZ has received feedback that an increasing number of new volunteers are unemployed or have had their paid hours reduced.

The Tindall Foundation has funded the VolunteerNow website and VNZ operating costs.

For more information contact:

Tim Burns, Executive Director, Volunteering New Zealand

Email: tim.burns@volunteeringnz.org.nz

Website: www.volunteeringnz.org.nz

www.volunteernow.org.nz

Catapult Employment Services Trust

Posted 11/01/2010

Catapult is boosting the skills and confidence of Christchurch youth to get them into training and employment.

Kemuel Proudlove and Drew McClean got involved with Catapult in their transition from high school into the workforce.  Kemuel and Drew handle a busy Saturday shift together at a Countdown supermarket in Christchurch. 

"Catapult has helped me develop the self-confidence and motivation to get this job," says Drew.  "I'm also gaining greater confidence in looking for other work as well."

Local young people being referred to Catapult's services are school leavers and those who have been unable to find employment through Work and Income and other avenues.

Catapult takes a positive, "client-centred" approach to assist young people to up-skill and find employment.

Catapult works alongside each client on achieving steps that include training, education, work experience, job placements and ongoing post-placement support.  Recent clients have gained employment in a local school, supermarkets, retail and factory jobs. 

In 2008, The Tindall Foundation contributed funding towards administration costs for the Intensive Transition Service for youth.

For more information contact:

Brent Trethewey, Employment Consultant

Catapult Employment Services Trust

Email: brenttrethewey@ces.org.nz

Website: www.catapult.org.nz

Te Aroha Noa

Posted 30/07/2009

Te Aroha Noa Early Childhood Centre in Palmerston North is a pioneering "learning community" of whanau, children and parent educators.

Te Aroha Noa has created a 'Parent Educator' model where parents are trained in areas such as observing and interacting with children.  Parents have become an important part of the team, working in a part-time paid role with early childhood trained educators.

"The idea was to create a learning team where there was no differentiation between the qualified people and the parents," says Bruce Maden, Te Aroha Noa Chief Executive.

The licensed early childhood centre is linked into the wider Te Aroha Noa Community Services, which provides holistic care for families and the community.

Te Aroha Noa is situated in the middle of a state housing block in the lower socio-economic suburb of Highbury.  They are connecting with other early childhood centres across the western suburbs of Palmerston North to enhance parenting and whanau development. 

"Word of mouth" between parents in the community has resulted in a huge roll increase.  Te Aroha Noa is currently looking to build a second early childhood centre, which would accommodate the children currently on a waiting list and more.

Bruce Maden was invited by The Tindall Foundation in September 2006 to go to Canada to investigate community-led development initiatives.  In 2007, The Tindall Foundation funded Te Aroha Noa's locally based, collaborative community work.

For further information contact:

Bruce Maden, Chief Executive Officer, Te Aroha Noa Community Services Trust

Email: bruce.maden@infogen.net.nz

Chinese New Settlers Services Trust

Posted 30/07/2009

Chinese New Settlers Services Trust (CNSST) is giving parents strategies to help their teenagers walk in both Kiwi and Chinese worlds.

New Zealand-born teenagers of Chinese parents often experience tensions with their bicultural identity.  Their parents, who emigrated from China, face language and cultural barriers.

Gloria Gao, Manager and Social Worker at CNSST, says Chinese New Zealand teenagers can find it "confusing" being "Kiwi kids" at school then taking part in Chinese culture at home.

In 2008, CNSST ran their second year of 'Parenting Teenagers' workshops, which are facilitated by Chinese migrant New Zealanders.  The course is held over eight sessions, with four sessions spoken in Mandarin and Cantonese languages respectively. 

"It's a good way to promote community cohesion and make friends," says Gloria.

In China, the parenting style is traditionally strict.  The CNSST workshops advise parents of different ways to discipline and support their children, by giving them "attention, affection, acceptance and affirmation". 

Gloria says parents on the course "accept the positive parenting approach in New Zealand".

CNSST has six community-based centres in Auckland, providing social, cultural and educational services.

Their 'Parenting Teenagers' course received funding from The Tindall Foundation through Manukau Community Foundation, one of our regional Funding Managers.

For further information contact:

Gloria Gao, Service Manager and Social Worker, Chinese New Settlers Services Trust

Email: Gloria.Gao@cnsst.org.nz

Game On

Posted 15/07/2009

Catholic Social Services offers Dunedin fathers their own space to talk with other blokes about being a dad. 

The agency had been running parenting groups and activities for mums, but saw a need for men to focus on their particular issues as dads.  Fathers' group 'Game On' began in October 2006 with five dads.  Eight groups and 48 participants later, it has become an established course.

Game On is a men's group which does not focus on negative issues like anger, violence and loss.  "From the start it was decided that this course would take a positive look at fathering," says social worker Mike Tonks, who co-facilitates the group.

"It's a group for any father, from any walk of life, who wants to be a more active dad."

Men taking the course have included teenage dads, solo dads and those who have shared care of their children.

The six-week course, held four times a year, includes sessions on communication, boundaries, good food and smart goals. 

"I came along thinking I'd help the other guys, however I soon realised that I needed this," one participant commented. 

Another dad is putting some parenting tips into practice.  "I've tried to implement changes at home, such as turning off the TV at meal times and having fresh food for snacks and rewards for helping at home."

Game On received Tindall Foundation funding in 2007 through our New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Mike Tonks, Social Worker, Catholic Social Services

Email: office@cathsocialservices.org.nz

Website: www.cathsocialservices.org.nz

Te Roopu O Wai Ora

Posted 15/07/2009

"The goal in our early intervention programme and one-on-one mentoring is to make the bad days the exception and the positive days the norm," says Te Roopu O Wai Ora Co-ordinator Phil Squires.

Te Roopu O Wai Ora (Wai Ora) provides community-based support for intermediate school boys with behavioural issues.  Forty-five students have received social work support in school and after-school mentoring, which combines activities like rock climbing. 

The 'Reduction in Youth Offending Project' has been operating in the North Shore suburb of Northcote since 2003.  Youth offending has reduced significantly in the area during this time.

"We believe we'll continue to see low offending rates," says Phil Squires.  "That means better adjusted kids, happier and safer communities, and less kids vying for negative attention and doing dangerous things for thrill-seeking."

Young people who went through the early intervention programme at intermediate school have become a positive influence in their high schools, when they might have become recidivist offenders.

Wai Ora youth workers make home visits and help parents out by getting their sons to and from community work placements.  They provide support and advice for families, and attend family group conferences, court appearances and school Board of Trustee meetings.

In 2006, The Tindall Foundation made a 3-year commitment to fund the Co-ordinator's salary and administration costs.

For further information contact:

Phil Squires, Co-ordinator, Te Roopu O Wai Ora

Email: kiatoa@ihug.co.nz

CPS (Child Protection Studies)

Posted 18/06/2009

The goal of child protection organisation CPS is for "a community where everyone looks out for children", says Chief Executive Anthea Simcock.

Since CPS (originally named Institute for Child Protection Studies) was formed in 1994, 12,805 people have attended a programme or training on child protection. 

CPS works with anyone who has a role with children, including social workers, educators, whanau and sports coaches.  Eighteen social service agencies have made it mandatory for all their staff to go through their child protection 5-day programme.

Course participant Maxine Osterman, from Tamahere Model Country School, says it challenges myths and fears.  "It is so practical and it gives us power to change things for children."

Many people have taken action as a result of attending the programmes.  This varies from notifying authorities of a case of serious abuse to "fronting up" to a parent who hasn't strapped their child into the car seat.

"We teach people strategies to know what to do, who to call, why not to act on their own and where to get help to take the next step if they're concerned about a child," says Anthea.

CPS encourages community collaboration for child safety.  In 2004, The Tindall Foundation committed 3 years funding to CPS-led, community-based child protection programmes in South Taranaki and Whakatane. 

For further information contact:

Anthea Simcock, Chief Executive, CPS

Email: info@cps.org.nz

Website: www.cps.org.nz

Skylight

Posted 18/06/2009

Skylight is a national organisation that supports children, young people and families impacted by change, loss and grief by providing information and resources to meet their needs.  They also provide advice for helping professionals, such as teachers, social workers and hospital staff.

Skylight received a two-year donation from The Tindall Foundation towards the salary of their part-time Resource Centre Support Worker.  This funding has enabled Skylight to have enough staff to meet all the weekly requests for support information, which average 20 per week.

"Requests come in from New Zealanders across the country whose families and whanau are facing tough times," says Tricia Irving-Hendry, Skylight Resource and Information Manager.

"These life situations are varied and, whatever it is, Tracey Clode [Resource Support] helps tailor our responses to the specific needs of each personal situation."

Skylight is always on the look-out for new sources of specialist support information, especially for children and young people.  In the past two years, Skylight has developed several new resources including wallet-size information leaflets for youth.  

For further information contact:

Sonja Deely, Funding Development Manager, Skylight

Email: Sonja@skylight-trust.org.nz

Website: www.skylight.org.nz

Aratupu Pre-school

Posted 05/06/2009

"We want people and their children to leave here and believe that they do matter," says Aratupu Pre-school Supervisor Andrea Wilson-Tukaki.

Aratupu provides affordable early childhood education, and support for low income families, based out of an established centre in Papanui.  Aratupu is a service of the Christchurch Methodist Mission.

The families who come to the centre are predominantly "younger, single woman-led whanau whose main source of income is a benefit". 

Bicultural learning resources are available there, with Maori children representing 60% of enrolments.

"We don't view our children as stand-alone entities," says Andrea.  "They're part of a hapu and iwi."

Aratupu has a part-time Whanau Support Worker who meets with around 80 families each year.  Home visits address children's behaviour, nutrition and family dynamics.

Parenting courses and coffee groups are held at the centre.  "They can sit in a warm environment, chat with women in a similar situation and have a coffee - when there might be no milk or coffee at home," says Andrea.

Families have the opportunity to access other services within the Christchurch Methodist Mission, including literacy courses for people who require support with reading and writing.

Parents are given the opportunity to exchange homeware at Aratupu, including a "clothes swap" between families.

Christchurch Methodist Mission received Tindall Foundation funding for the Whanau Support Worker's salary through our WesleyCom Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Andrea Wilson-Tukaki, Centre Supervisor, Aratupu Preschool and Nursery

Email: aratupu@mmsi.org.nz

Website: www.mmsi.org.nz

Te Waipuna Puawai

Posted 05/06/2009

Te Waipuna Puawai Mercy Oasis (TWP) is creating healthier families and stronger communities by supporting Glen Innes women to take up education.

TWP is a community development initiative established by the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand in 1999.  They provide women with 'second chance' education and employment opportunities, while taking care of their children at their early childhood centre. 

The women who come to TWP are facing a number of challenges.  Some have experienced violence, others live in overcrowded homes and most struggle to pay their bills.  Early childhood education participation is low in the Glen Innes and Tamaki areas, where TWP is based.

"I wanted to be a better role model for my children and to give my babies a better start in life," says one TWP client, who has completed a Certificate in Community Skills.

In the past year, TWP had 352 certificate course enrolments in association with Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology.

"It's about demonstrating to other women in their community that they are just as capable of completing tertiary study as anyone else," says Puamiria Maaka, TWP Manager.

The Tindall Foundation has made a 3-year commitment to fund expenses for the TWP 'He Ohaki Mai' community-based enterprise and employment project, for low income, Maori, Pacific, refugee and migrant women living in Glen Innes.

For further information contact:

Puamiria Maaka, Manager, Te Waipuna Puawai Mercy Oasis

Email: puamiria@twp.org.nz

Website: www.twp.org.nz

Family Works Upper Hutt

Posted 11/05/2009

An international community of women from 10 nationalities meets weekly in Upper Hutt to practice speaking English and to make connections.

The New Settler Women's Group started four years ago with an enthusiastic group of Sudanese women who invited others from their local ESOL (English for Speakers of Other languages) group. 

Family Works Upper Hutt now hosts 32 women and their families from Iraq, Samoa, Nepal, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, South Korea, Egypt and Argentina.  The group is open to all refugee and migrant women and their children within the wider Hutt Valley region. 

Volunteers care for children while their mothers take part in crafts, cooking and other activities.  One member of the group has cultivated her cooking skills so successfully that she now works in catering.

"They learn how to cook 'Kiwi' food and show us how to cook their own dishes," says group facilitator Taiana Anderson.

Another main activity is sewing for themselves and their children, with cotton and materials donated by the local community and volunteers.

Family Works is a network of regional Presbyterian Support services for children, families and communities across New Zealand.  The Upper Hutt centre also offers a range of parenting education and support programmes.

Family Works Upper Hutt received Tindall Foundation funding in 2007 through our Presbyterian Support Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Kay Riddler, Centre Manager, Family Works Centre Upper Hutt

Email: familyworks-upperhutt@psc.org.nz

Website: www.psc.org.nz

Northland SPACE

Posted 11/05/2009

"We're building links between parents," says Rebecca Blissett, SPACE Coordinator at Northland Playcentre.  "People used to have support through extended family links but many don't have these anymore."

Northland Playcentre has been running SPACE (Supporting Parents alongside Children's Education) since 2007.  SPACE is an innovative New Zealand programme aimed at first-time parents.  It was formed in 2003, within the Hutt Playcentre Association, and is now being run by Playcentre Associations nationwide.

Parents on the SPACE programme have discussions on child development and parenting topics, while their babies have play sessions with rhymes, music and books.  SPACE facilitators support parents to become involved in their child's early childhood education.

"There was such a need for SPACE in Northland," says Rebecca.  "Parents weren't accessing outside support until their children were much older." 

Northland Playcentre initially started SPACE sessions for all parents in Northland, before they were approached to run a programme for teenage parents.

'SPACE Teen Parents' is targeted specifically at parents enrolled in teen antenatal programmes at Whangarei Hospital.  In this tailored SPACE programme, parents talk through ideas with each other more than they use written resources. 

The Tindall Foundation funded the first SPACE Teen Parents programme in 2007.  8 out of 10 teen parents have since joined older parents on the 40-week SPACE programme, and the other two attended a teen parent unit at their school.

For further information contact:

Rebecca Blissett, SPACE Coordinator, Northland Playcentre Association

Email: kaiwakabec@gmail.com

Brainwave Trust

Posted 14/02/2013

Brainwave Trust is informing New Zealanders that supporting families in the early years of their children's lives will have a lasting effect.

The Aotearoa/New Zealand Infant Brain Development Trust, commonly known as 'Brainwave Trust', was formed in 1998 in response to scientific evidence about crucial brain development in the first three years of a child's life.

"Everyone's born with different genetic potential," says Kim van Duiven, Executive Director of Brainwave Trust.  Brainwave's philosophy is that parental bonding and day-to-day experiences help children to fulfil their potential.

Brainwave is based in Auckland with a network of 25 trained presenters throughout the country.  The Brainwave Committee includes broadcaster Jude Bailey and netballer Bernice Mene. 

Presentations are given to organisations and individuals from various child welfare and education fields, and to teen parent units and mothers in prison.

Brainwave Trust emphasises "the basics" - laughter, tactile play, talking and reading.  "It's all about spending time with your children," says Kim.

The 'Cuddlewrap' project aims to give every mother of a new baby a soft cotton wrap and an information booklet.  Four simple messages about how to enhance a baby's brain development are printed on the wrap, such as "I love it when you smile at me".

The Tindall Foundation recently funded both the Executive Director's salary and research to assess the long-term impact of Brainwave presentations.

For further information contact:

Sue Wright, Executive Director, Brainwave Trust

Email: sue@brainwave.org.nz

Ph: 09 528 3981

Website: www.brainwave.org.nz