A partnership between the Methodist Mission, the Dunedin City Council and Ngai Tahu Property has enabled the mission to secure the former school for ongoing community use. Under the right of first refusal process for Crown land disposal, Ngai Tahu Property purchased the site and is leasing it to the Methodist Mission. The school building is now home to the Little Citizens early childhood centre, a community hub, a support and advocacy worker, and a Take Ten Streets programme co-ordinator.
Mission director Laura Black said the partnership was based on a genuine interest in the needs of South Dunedin whanau and a willingness to help.
''The school site had been frequently vandalised with multiple fires lit in doorways, unending graffiti, and almost every window was broken at least once. A once-vibrant community hub was at real risk of becoming a burnt-out shell,'' she said.
''Now, Forbury is once again a vibrant community meeting point for South Dunedin. The Early Years Hub hosts 300 families a year, providing music and movement, a Pacific play group, a Korean play group, cooking classes with a creche, the relaxed kids programme, the breast room in the house (breast-feeding support group), a babywearing library, a toy library, mums and bubs yoga, well-child checks, and access to family planning.''
Positive outcomes for the community were manifold,Ms Black said.
''We also have the Take 10 Streets community building programme operating from Forbury, helping those who live locally to come together; and the Little Citizens early childhood centre, bringing 20 free hours of early childhood education, family support, and outstanding food, to more than 60 families,'' she said. Ngai Tahu Property chief executive Tony Sewell said as well as delivering a profit, the tribe's investment and development company operated within a wider cultural, social, economic and values-based framework.
''While the Forbury school development does not fit our long-term investment strategy, the project has been particularly rewarding for the partners, as they see the wider benefits come to life for the South Dunedin community. Our team is thrilled the partnership has enabled the former school site to become a thriving community centre once again. We wish the Methodist Mission, the Dunedin City Council and the people of South Dunedin every success in this venture.''
