Where We Are Now

Current Situation and Plan Going Forward

In 2012, due to policy changes, HNZC ceased their community renewal programmes and community-based tenancy management. The Tenancy Officers based at the Rata Vine Community House were re-located to a central location. HNZC have now leased the community house to Auckland Council with an offer to lease to purchase that ends in June 2013.

An agreement with Auckland Council until June 2013 means the RaWiri Residents Association are continuing to run the Community House and continuing to creatively respond to issues of local families and to develop initiatives, activities and programmes that will result in positive change for their community. The Residents Association are working collaboratively with the support of others to establish the house as a thriving community hub where current activities can continue to thrive and other organizations, such as police, Counties Manukau Sports and the local MP, also use the house as their base in the RaWiri community.

Current activities include:

  • The local Neighbourhood Policing Team are now touching base at the Community House with the Community Leaders

  • The local MP for Manurewa holds a weekly clinic in the house;

  • Continuing to run after school computer center and homework programme

  • Continuing to train volunteers and co-ordinate the RaWiri Safety Patrol

  • Providing cooking classes to provide healthy meals on a low income

  • Continuing to develop the community garden

Plans for the next 12 months include:

  • Developing career courses, job search support (including developing curriculum vitae) for local residents

  • Developing youth programmes and sports activities in collaboration with the Neighborhood Policing Team and Counties Manukau Sports

  • Exploring providing breakfast for local school-aged children and teaching them how to make their own lunches

  • Ensuring families have information and to support to access health checks

  • Exploring establishing a Laundromat in the shed of the community house, Many families don't have their own washing machines. Having regular access to a washing machine is a key strategy to reducing skin infections.

  • To continue to work with others to build the capacity and capability of local leaders and residents to lead their own solutions to challenges facing their community.