Over the past month a number of people, groups and organisations have been putting their collective thoughts into how we can support our community in the face of rising fuel prices and cost of living challenges.
We recognise that strong resilient communities are built upon manaakitanga (taking care and responsibility for each other), kaitiakitanga (taking responsibility for our environment and resources) and kotahitanga (working together and collaborating).
Building on our community strengths we can ensure that we aren’t simply ‘getting by’ but are growing collective abundance, sharing resources and not waiting for outside agencies to provide solutions when things get tough. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing information and tips on what is happening across our community to help support whānau and community.
Each of us can do our part simply by doing little things, like ‘Don’t Be Shy – Go Say Hi’ – check on your neighbours and friends, have a cuppa, share extra kai from your garden, everyone loves receiving and it’s so nice to be able to give what’s grown or made with your own hands.
Manaaki Support – Raglan Community House
Raglan Community House is developing MoneyMates support groups, designed to help people build confidence and resilience around money through shared learning.
MoneyMates is based on the idea that people learn best together. Facilitators guide open conversations about finances – focusing on choices, options and practical steps forward.
Over several weeks, participants can:
Learn about budgeting, debt, cashflow and safer credit
Share experiences and build support networks
Access tools such as Sorted and other helplines
Strengthen connections with whānau and community
Health and Wellbeing – Raglan Medical and Te Toi Ora ki Whaingaroa
Through a partnership between Raglan Medical and Te Toi Ora ki Whāingaroa, free Integrated Marae Outreach Clinics continue to support the community.
These clinics provide access to:
GP consultations and nurse triage
Screening (diabetes, cardiovascular, sexual health)
Mental health and addiction support
Social services and Whānau Ora
Rongoā Māori and other wellbeing services
Upcoming clinics:
Mai Uenuku Marae – 24 April & 22 May
Poihakena Marae – 8 May & 5 June
Health Hub, 12 Wallis Street (walk-in from 9am)
0800 838 646
Food | Kai
Emergency Food
The Raglan Foodbank supports individuals and whānau facing hardship with food parcels.
027 825 7543
Surfside Church, 34 Bow Street
Aroha Free Food Pantries
Take what you need, share what you can.
Locations include Wainui Road (Museum), Waitetuna, Whale Bay and Greenslade Road.
Whāingaroa Community Fruit Harvest
Have fruit going to waste? The team can help collect and redistribute it to those in need — or turn it into preserves.
Jono – 021 488 766
Looking ahead – grow your own kai
Free seeds available at Whāingaroa Environment Centre
Community garden (Wi Neera St) meets twice monthly
Workshops available – check: whaingaroa.org.nz/events
Top tips to save on kai
Eat seasonally
Shop local (Growers Market, Refill)
Share or swap produce with neighbours
Buy in bulk with whānau
Reduce food waste (lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz)
Need to talk?
Walk in for support with health, mental health, addictions and wellbeing:
Health Hub, 12 Wallis Street (from 9am)
0800 838 646
It’s OK to Talk – Raglan Radio 98.1FM
raglanradio.com
Mondays from 5.30pm. Honest kōrero about mental health and wellbeing in a safe, supportive space.
Energy – Community Energy Whāingaroa
Free support is available to help reduce energy costs and keep homes warm.
Julia, the Energy Mentor, runs weekly drop-in sessions:
Raglan Community House
Mondays, 12–3pm
Support includes:
Home energy advice
Free energy checks
Access to energy-saving resources
cewh.nz
022 021 2290
Transport
Raglan Rideshare – Connect with others travelling to Hamilton and share fuel costs.
EV Community Support – A confidential database connects volunteers with people needing help getting to appointments, the pharmacy or shops.
Save on transport – Calculate how much you could save by walking or biking:
rideandsave.co.nz
Did you know you could save:
Up to $100/year switching appliances off
Up to $25/year boiling less water
Up to $300/year by changing power plans
Up to $200/year fixing a dripping hot tap
Stay connected
Keep an eye out for ongoing updates through:
Raglan Chronicle
Raglan Radio
info@raglannaturally.co.nz
