There’s plenty bubbling away in our town this season – and we’re here to keep you in the loop. From the opening of Raglan Refill to powerful kaupapa like Toitū Whaingaroa, there are loads of ways to get involved, make connections and celebrate what makes this place special.
Understanding Te Tiriti Workshop a Success
Our Understanding Te Tiriti workshop on 20 March drew strong community engagement and rich kōrero. A big thank you to the Waikato District Council Community-Led Development team for their support, and to the Institute of Awesome for hosting.
Special thanks to Dr Ingrid Huygens, recently honoured with a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and Māori.
Tangata Tiriti Facilitator/Activator Training
On 20 February, we hosted an introductory hui to explore a local Tangata Tiriti facilitator/activator training with Dr Ingrid Huygens.
Participants were passionate about growing their practice as Te Tiriti community activators and committed to building a sustainable local collective.
The first weekend of training (4–6 April) introduced participants to adult education principles and Tangata Tiriti workshop content. In the second weekend (early May), trainees each delivered a workshop activity and received positive feedback. Having Whaea Lucy Haru and Whaea Pania Meredith attend was a special bonus.
We’re now planning the first locally delivered Tangata Tiriti Workshop in Whāingaroa.
Ākina Workshops on Social Enterprise
In April, we hosted two workshops with the Ākina Foundation exploring social and impact-led enterprise. Participants included both experienced and new voices in this space.
We heard from Rick Thorpe (Xtreme Zero Waste) and the team at Raglan Refill, plus Council staff Emma Rankin and Lianne van den Bemd on Council support for social enterprise and procurement.
Raglan Naturally will be sharing workshop reports and continuing to support next steps in this space.
Raglan Naturally Pop-Up Space
In March, we ran a pop-up space in town to connect with the community. People came to share ideas, ask questions and explore local initiatives. We ended the week with a relaxed Friday evening catch-up with local groups.
Congratulations to our Pop-Up Voucher Winner! Thanks to John and the team for supporting us with the space
Key Projects We Are Supporting:
Meet Whāingaroa Youth Connector: Amy Hanna
We’re excited to welcome Amy Hanna as the new Whāingaroa Youth Connector, employed by Raglan Community House and part-funded by WEL Energy Trust and Raglan Naturally through our partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs..
Amy brings 20+ years of local experience and has hit the ground running since March, already supporting 10 rangatahi and working closely with local schools.
Youth Week (19–25 May) is nearly here, with Amy coordinating a full week of events including the return of the Amazing Race.
Want to get involved?
Email:
connector@raglancommunityhouse.org.nz
Instagram/Facebook: @raglanyouthconnector
Raglan Refill
Whāingaroa’s new community-run grocery store Raglan Refill has been open for 8 weeks! Bulk shopping and reusable containers mean saving money and reducing waste.
We stock pantry goods, snacks, cleaning products and more. Open 10.30am–4.30pm Monday–Saturday behind the Raglan Club.
Follow us: facebook.com/RaglanRefillinstagram.com/RaglanRefill
Share Land, Grow Food!
Whāingaroa Environment Centre’s Sharing Land for Food Growing Project connects landowners with keen growers, to get more food growing locally.
The Centre has been nurturing this project for two years and so far, has supported backyard partnerships, a multihousehold shared cropping venture and even a small group raising some sheep for meat. Whether you have land to share or need space to grow, we’d love to support more cooperative ventures like these. Growing local food together fosters resilience and community connection!
If this sounds like you, please contact Tania at tania@whaingaroa.org.nz.
Upcoming Events
Youth Week – 19 to 25 May
Funding HQ Workshop – Tuesday 27 May, 9am to 12pm (Register online)
Celebrating Volunteers – Saturday 15 June at Poihakena Marae
Matariki ki Whaingaroa 2025 – June 20-22nd. It’s going to be a weekend packed full of art and film.
Visit raglannaturally.co.nz for more information.
