It never ceases to amaze me the sheer volume of mahi delivered by an incredibly passionate and skilled group of legends who consistently turn up for their hapori whanui, and for each other.
Locally, our sector is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts and partnerships going above and beyond!
Our collective abilities addresses local issues and ensures that residents’ needs are met in a way that is personalised and effective.
There is a growing recognition, nationally, for integrated, multi-agency approaches that break down silos between services.
Our people are leading by example in this space, with a strong foundation built on local initiatives driven by those who have a deep understanding of their community’s unique needs; it is ingrained in how we work.
December is also the time of year where we reset and reignite for the coming year.
This is when we remember our why: the people.
The future of our region’s social sector is tightly bound to its people, and it is this strong sense of community that will continue to drive us forward.
Ultimately, the strength of Eastern Southland’s social and community sector reflects the core values that define rural Aotearoa New Zealand: connection, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility towards one another.
It has been our absolute pleasure to play our part in supporting our hapori this year and we thank our community for continuing to support our kaupapa throughout the year.
We also acknowledge that it has been a challenging year for many in our community, and the upcoming holiday period often adds to those pressures. You are not alone.
Reach out if you need support; there are a range of support services listed on our website www.cnt.org.nz under resources, many are online or 24/7 service providers and available during the holidays.
On behalf of the team, take care and stay classy Eastern Southland. See you in 2025.
Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou. — Connecting Eastern Southland
