NZ Business Connect’s Social Giving Event, held on Tuesday, May 5, at The Cook Restaurant in Hamilton, brought together a large representation of the Waikato business community for an evening centred on connection, purpose, and impact in support of Waikato Women’s Refuge - Te Whakaruruhau.

The event marked not only a successful fundraising effort, but also the official launch of NZ Business Connect’s new Social Giving App “Collective Kindness”, designed to make it easier for businesses and individuals to contribute to causes that matter.

Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe, Hamilton West MP Tama Potaka, Hamilton City Councillor Rachel Koralus, Love The Centre General Manager Vanessa Williams and Former Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate were among the special guests in attendance.

Guests heard from keynote speaker Ruahine ‘Roni’ Albert, CEO of Waikato Women’s Refuge, whose powerful address highlighted the realities of family violence in the region and the critical role Waikato Women’s Refuge plays in supporting those affected. Her message reinforced the importance of ongoing community support and the difference collective action can make.

“There’s a whole heap of areas that businesses could contribute to and support, it doesn’t always necessarily need to be money”, said Roni. “It could be looking at sponsorship through your connections”.

The evening was made possible thanks to the generosity of event sponsors. Drinks were generously sponsored by First Rate Finish – Monty McFarlane, with food platters sponsored by PJ and Pooja Goel of PJ Maccas (McDonald’s Frankton and Centre Place).

A highlight of the night was the silent auction, with a wide range of items generously donated by local businesses and individuals. Contributions came from Waikato Women’s Refuge, Chris Rollitt (The Cook), Paulette Coombes (EleVate Beyond), Robyn Owen (Vital Balance), Gail Jones (Gails Floral Studio), Steve Moulden (Copier World), Neet Dhiman (Mortgage Supply), Simply Fire, All Ear Care (Erin Craig), Maisey Harris & Co, Tarun Kumar (Lodge), Sarkaw Randhawa (Hillcrest Spinal Centre), Janeen Walker (Pragma Homes), Foley Douglas, Monty McFarlane (First Rate Finish), Sunil Patil (LINK), Tony Snow (SHARED Workspaces), and business card draw, Trish Kilburn (Zoom Print), Sunil Patil and The Cook.

In addition, Hamilton-based IT and website development company Enform NZ Limited made a significant donation to the Waikato Women’s Refuge.

Thanks to the support of attendees and sponsors, funds raised from donations and the silent auction arrived at a total of over $4000 for Waikato Women’s Refuge, directly contributing to the continuation of essential frontline services.

Beyond the funds raised, the evening reflected the strength of the NZBC network and its commitment to giving back. Events like this demonstrate how the business community can come together not just to connect, but to create meaningful, lasting change.

The success of the evening is a reminder that building sustained support for organisations like Waikato Women’s Refuge Te Whakaruruhau is key to ensuring they can continue their vital work across the region.To get involved or support, visit Waikato Women's Refuge here

Details to make a donation:

Account Name: Te Whakaruruhau 2013 Incorporated

Branch: ASB Hamilton

Number: 12-3122-0217463-00

Please make sure to add ‘NZBC’ to Particulars so they know it has come from this event.

Get in touch with NZ Business Connect:

phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Ruahine ‘Roni’ Albert will take centre stage as keynote speaker at NZ Business Connect’s upcoming Social Giving Event on Tuesday, May 5, shining a light on the realities of family violence in the Waikato and the growing demand for support.

The event, which will raise funds for Waikato Women’s Refuge - Te Whakaruruhau, brings the business community together in support of one of the region’s most vital frontline services.

For nearly 40 years, Women’s Refuge Waikato has provided a lifeline for those escaping family violence. The foundation of Te Whakaruruhau was a collective effort led by many local women, including Hinewirangi Kohu, Roma Balzer, Ariana Simpson, and Ruahine ‘Roni’ Albert. Today, that legacy continues through Roni’s ongoing leadership, helping shape and strengthen the largest refuge in the country.

Since opening in 1986, the organisation has supported more than 150,000 women and children, with up to 5,000 people seeking help each year. Yet, as Roni explains, the reality behind those numbers is often misunderstood.

“People think the Police will come, make an arrest, and everything will be fine,” she says. “But that’s not always the case.”

Much of the harm women experience is not just physical, but psychological. Patterns of control, degradation, and manipulation can slowly erode confidence and independence, creating invisible barriers that make leaving incredibly difficult. “Over time, they start to believe what they’re being told about themselves,” Roni says.

Demand for support across the Waikato is rising, driven by the cost of living and a lack of accessible housing. Women and children are staying longer in safe houses, often with nowhere permanent to go. For many, even basic necessities are out of reach. “Some of these families are choosing between feeding their children or themselves,” she says.

Despite the scale of need, Women’s Refuge’s work is not fully funded, relying heavily on community and business support to provide essential services such as food, legal assistance, and safe housing.

At the upcoming NZBC Social Giving Event, Roni hopes to shift perspectives and inspire action. “There is so much harm in our community that people will never see,” she says. “If you see something, do something. That one action could change a life.”

With the event just around the corner, her message is simple: consistent, collective support can make a real difference.

Contact the Waikato Women's Refuge

07 855 1569

https://waikatowomensrefuge.co.nz/ 

Annual commemorative event returns to Kāhui St David’s, honouring service and sacrifice with a powerful evening of performance, reflection and shared remembrance.

Auckland, New Zealand – To mark Anzac Week, Kāhui St David’s in Grafton - Auckland’s centre for music-making, inspiration and social connection - will once again host its annual Art of Remembrance on the eve before Anzac, Friday 24 April 2026 at 7pm.

Now in its eleventh year, the event brings together veterans, whānau, artists and the wider community for an evening of music, ceremony and storytelling – honouring service and sacrifice through reflection, connection and shared remembrance in one of the city’s most significant living memorial spaces.

Event:                    Art of Remembrance 2026 – We Will Remember Them
When:                    Friday 24 April | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where:                  Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland
Tickets:                Pay-what-you-can – all welcome (via Humanitix | www.kahuistdavids.nz)

St David’s Memorial Church, whose foundation stone was laid on Anzac Day 1927 as a memorial to those who served in World War One, was originally dedicated as The Soldiers’ Memorial Church. Today, as Kāhui St David’s, it is home to a charitable trust and stands as a living memorial – a place of remembrance for all branches of the New Zealand Defence Force, and a centre for cultural connection and inspiration..

Honouring the Royal New Zealand Engineers

As part of Art of Remembrance 2026, this year’s ANZAC commemoration places particular focus on the Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE) – past and present – recognising their enduring contribution and historic connection to St David’s.

This connection dates back to 1927 and is reflected today through the RNZE memorial plaques, the Sappers’ Chapel and the Sappers’ Memorial Window, honouring generations of service.

At the heart of this year’s service is the Lamp of Remembrance, illuminated daily in the Sappers’ Chapel and ceremonially re-lit by members of the Royal New Zealand Engineers for the coming year – a powerful act of continuity and collective remembrance.

Paul Baragwanath, Director of Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, says: “The relationship between St David’s and the Royal New Zealand Engineers spans nearly a century. This is a place where that history is not only preserved, but actively remembered.

“Art of Remembrance allows us to honour all current members of the New Zealand Defence Force, and all veterans, in a way that brings their legacy into the present – through ceremony, music and community.”

A powerful programme of music, storytelling and remembrance

The 2026 programme brings together leading performers and community contributors for a deeply moving shared experience.

Unsung Heroes perform original songs and readings from wartime letters, including Cameron Bennett, veteran foreign correspondent, whose ballad recounts a letter sent to his grandfather from the Western Front.  Guitarist Chris Priestley has also written a song that tells his father’s story of the battle at Takrouna Hill in Tunisia.  The pieces will be introduced by Peter Elliott ONZM, Shortland Street actor, percussionist and Member of the Waitematā Local Board.

The evening will also feature David Harvey on Scottish bagpipes, pūoro by Riki Bennett, the University of Auckland Student Choir and hymns for all to join led by soprano Michelle Thorne-McHugh, the Off Broadway Big Band, and Helen Lukman-Fox on the great pipe organ.

The night will begin with a parade of veterans into the Great Hall. It will include the Last Post, Minute of Silence, The Rouse, and the ceremonial relighting of the Lamp of Remembrance for the year ahead. The programme will also include contributions from members of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Highlights include:

●      National Anthem and hymns, led by Soprano Michelle Thorne-McHugh, the Off Broadway Big Band (Bandmaster Paul Radden), and Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)

●      Taonga pūoro by Riki Bennett

●      Unsung Heroes, performing original works reflecting on Passchendaele and the Siege of Tobruk

●      Music led by whānau of the 28th Māori Battalion

●      University of Auckland Student Choir

●      Laying of the wreaths, including:

○      28th Māori Battalion (at plaque)

○      Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps (at plaque)

○      Royal New Zealand Engineers and other wreaths (Sappers’ Chapel)

●      RNZE members will also play a central ceremonial role, including leading the procession, supporting the lighting of the Lamp of Remembrance, and laying a wreath within the Sappers’ Memorial Chapel.

Carried by community

A defining feature of the event is the generosity of those involved, with many performers giving their time in the spirit of remembrance.

Paul Radden, firefighter with the New Zealand Fire Service and Bandmaster of the Off Broadway Big Band, who has supported the event for several years, says:

Radden says: “It’s a privilege to be part of Art of Remembrance each year. Music brings people together in a way that allows us to honour those who came before us, while connecting in a way that feels both powerful and deeply personal.”

A living ANZAC legacy

Set within the beautifully restored heritage space known for its exceptional acoustics, Kāhui St David’s offers a uniquely immersive way to mark Anzac.

“Kāhui St David’s is a place where remembrance lives on – through art, music and community,” says Baragwanath.

“It is a space for reflection, connection and shared understanding, where the past is honoured and carried forward together.”

Following the service, attendees are invited to stay for hospitality and to experience the Art of Remembrance installation programme, continuing the evening’s theme of reflection through contemporary art.

For more information and to secure tickets, visit www.kahuistdavids.nz or Humantix.

After decades in the family home, the thought of downsizing can feel overwhelming. Families have raised children, celebrated milestones, and built lives within those walls. For many, moving is not simply a matter of packing boxes. It is saying goodbye to a lifetime of memories.

When sorting through decades of accumulated belongings, people often wonder where to begin. People face tough decisions about what to keep, what to pass on to family, and what to let go. Alongside the emotional weight, the physical demands of packing, lifting, and organising can quickly drain a person's energy. The stress of coordinating a move while managing these shifting emotions leaves many seniors and their adult children feeling exhausted before the process even begins.

Fairview Lifestyle Village recognises that the move-in experience is a crucial part of a resident's overall wellbeing. To ease this burden, they have completely reimagined the moving process by partnering with The Collective, a specialist senior relocation team.

Fairview’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Robyn Rangi, explains, "We acknowledge this is a monumental event for the resident, and having the right moving partner means we will have a relaxed and happy resident when they are settled - it's how we want all our residents to move in, without stress, fully supported and heard.”
 

Meet Louise and The Collective

Led by Louise, The Collective specialises in helping seniors move with respect and patience. Her motivation for starting this highly specialised service stems from a deeply personal place.

"I struggled with postnatal depression and learned how empathetic support can make a world of difference," Louise shares. "I wanted to help others move through difficult emotional moments in their lives."

The Collective supports residents from start to finish, completely removing the logistical headaches of relocating, and breaking the journey down into a seamless, step-by-step process. 

First, Louise meets with the resident, and spends time getting to know them and understand what’s important to them in the moving process.

“Many people find the whole process extremely emotional and are anxious about having to get rid of things they’ve held precious. It feels very weighty leaving the family home,” says Louise. The most important part of navigating the emotional side of downsizing is “100% support and understanding,” she shares. This is manifested in listening.

While downsizing is emotionally difficult (with the package including anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 hours downsizing ‘advice’), the real work is in the relocation: packing, moving and unpacking. Louise finds it is the thoughtful, small touches that make the biggest impact.

“Many people find the whole process extremely emotional and are anxious about having to part with things they’ve held onto for years. Leaving the family home can feel very weighty,” says Louise.

For her, the most important part is offering steady support and understanding, taking the time to listen and guide people through the transition.

Louise sends information to her team ahead of moving day, sharing key details about the move so everyone arrives well prepared.

“On pack day we go in as a team and everyone is introduced. We all do a walkthrough of the home so everyone has a clear understanding of what needs to happen,” says Louise.

The team tailors their approach to suit each home and its belongings. They manage all coordination with trusted, experienced movers to ensure everything is transported safely. Once at Fairview Lifestyle Village, the team unpacks and carefully sets up the new home so it feels familiar, comfortable, and immediately liveable.

“To move, we use our own eco-crates, which are 100% recyclable, weather resistant and designed to make packing faster and easier, helping the whole process run more efficiently and with less disruption for residents,” says Louise.

The Collective also employs a clever labelling system that matches a resident’s new floorplan.
 

A smoother transition and a warmer welcome

The outcome of this dedicated support is a much calmer transition. Residents experience significantly reduced stress, settle into their new routines faster, and step into their new community with confidence. Families and new residents consistently speak of the comfort and relief The Collective brings.

One resident shared how the team “significantly reduced the stress of moving after 33 years in the same home,” describing a sense of genuine care throughout the process. For another, seeing their apartment arranged to reflect favourite memories was a deeply moving experience: “(The) first sight brought tears to my eyes,” they shared.

Others appreciate the way treasured belongings are handled: “We are most grateful to have found The Collective who helped us sort and distribute my mother-in-law’s belongings in a respectful, kind, and incredibly efficient manner.”

As Fairview’s CEO Terry Middlemost says, “We have taken the emotive load of moving on board and brought on a partner that delivers like no other moving company. The Collective values mirror our own - and the feedback from residents confirms the service is making huge differences to how to integrate with village life.”

Moving home later in life does not have to be an isolating or exhausting chore. With the right support, it becomes a guided, respectful transition into a new lifestyle.

Hamilton's central city is on the move and I mean that literally! Every time I zip through the central city in my Suzuki Fronx, I am reminded just how much is happening right now. Cranes are up, buildings are rising, and the shape of our city centre is shifting in ways that are exciting, energising and reflective of New Zealand’s fastest growing city.

From the Ferrybank Regatta development to the Hamilton Central Library, Perry's development, Garden Place's Pascoes Building, the fourth building of Union Square and the upcoming Anglesea Medical precinct, our central city is not just growing, it is evolving. What excites me most is that this transformation is about so much more than bricks and mortar. Yes, business remains at the heart of it all, but we are also moving toward a more experience-led central city, one that welcomes more people, more services, and more reasons to come in, stay longer, and rediscover the central city all over again.

Let me take you on a little tour of what's got underway, because the list is fabulous!

The Barton Street corner redevelopment is bringing a dynamic mix of hospitality, retail and office space to the city, due for completion in 2026. Nearby, Hinemoa Apartments will deliver 42 much-needed entry-level one and two-bedroom units also due in 2026, adding to the growing residential community right in the heart of the city.

Union Square Building B, the fourth of six planned buildings, is on track for completion in Q4 2026, welcoming major tenants Tetra Pak and Aecom into the precinct. Over on Victoria Street, the 500 Victoria Street office building is getting a full transformation, including an external reclad and end-of-trip facilities, similarly, Norris Ward McKinnon House, the impressive seven-storied landmark, is being redeveloped with end-of-trip facilities and a fresh new lease on life, both to be completed in 2026.

The Pascoes Building on the corner of Garden Place and Victoria Street is another exciting retail and office development to be completed in 2026 and featuring some beautiful historic touches, it will reinstate itself as a landmark building in the area. Works are also underway to improve the Hamilton Central Library with a new fascia creating a positive impact in Garden Place. And for those who love a bit of luxury, Hamilton’s tallest building soon to be home to the Pullman Hotel, is going to be an absolute game-changer, a 4.5-star development with 200+ rooms, on track to be opened at the end of 2026.

North Bloc is another development being watched with interest as it changes the landscape, with three levels fully occupied by Fonterra to be finished in 2026 and also in the Stark Properties portfolio the former Federated Farmers Block has development plans in progress promising an exciting future for the area!

On the health and wellbeing front, 121 Anglesea Street is bringing a new orthopaedic medical facility to the CBD in 2026, and the 19 Knox Street extension to Anglesea Hospital, featuring day surgery and operating rooms, is set for completion in 2028. It is awesome to see world-class medical services planting firm roots in our central city.

It truly is an exciting time to witness how our central city is evolving to accommodate more people, more businesses, and more experiences. Every time I drive through, I spot something new, something progressing, something that makes me proud of what we are building together here in Hamilton.

As always, head to lovethecentre.co.nz for all the latest happenings - Love the Centre - Driven by Winger Motors Hamilton.

Vanessa Williams

General Manager

Hamilton Central Business Association

Phone 07 838 3905

Mobile 0224 140 780

www.hamiltoncentral.co.nz

A professor, an agricultural leader, and a performing arts champion from Hamilton are among those recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours, shining a light on the remarkable people who quietly give so much to our community.

This year, five individuals from Hamilton city and 14 from the wider Waikato region have been acknowledged, reflecting the breadth of service, leadership and achievement that exists across our city and region.

Professor Thomas Charles Roa JP has been honoured as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his services to Maaori language and education. Professor Roa has made a significant contribution to the revitalisation of te reo Maaori and public understanding of tikanga Maaori, over more than 50 years.

For services to the agricultural industry and community, Mr Anthony Richard Egan is awarded as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Awarded as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit are Ms Gaye Annette Poole, for services to the performing arts and education; Mr Ravinder Singh Powar JP, for services to ethnic communities, and Ms Helena Audrey Tuteao, for services to people with disabilities and Maaori.

Mayor Tim Macindoe said it was a proud moment for the city and Waikato region.

"I warmly congratulate all Waikato recipients. Our region's strong representation speaks to the outstanding contribution our people are making across a wide range of areas, and the positive impact this has on our city and region.

"It's heartening to see the areas of recognition for Hamilton, which reflect the diversity and strengths of our city – these awards signal decades of commitment and passion by all the honourees. I'm personally delighted to see Professor Tom Roa JP and Ravinder Powar JP acknowledged, as I have had the privilege of knowing both men for many years and greatly admire their extensive contributions. Their dedication to strengthening cultural understanding and community connections has enriched Hamilton and the Waikato in ways that will endure for generations."

The New Year Honours system involves one of the nation's most significant and prestigious awards to recognise those who have gone above and beyond in service to others.

It includes the Order of New Zealand, the New Zealand Order of Merit, the King's Service Order and King's Service Medal, the New Zealand Bravery and Gallantry Awards, the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration, and the New Zealand Antarctic Medal.

See the full honours list here

Stats NZ is establishing new collaborative design groups to help ensure the perspectives of communities are included in the design of New Zealand's next census.

The census is moving to a model that uses more of the information already collected by government, known as administrative (admin) data, supported by information collected through a new annual census survey. Other tailored approaches will also be implemented to help meet the data needs of smaller population groups.

"The change means we will be producing census insights more often and in a more sustainable way, but it will take time to make the shift," explains Stats NZ's Deputy Chief Executive, Tia Warbrick.

"We know the new approach will continue to evolve and take time to get right. It's vital we understand community perspectives on what's important to them and where further development is needed, and work together on solutions," says Tia.

Stats NZ is working to establish community design groups with a range of partners and groups, including iwi Māori, Pacific, disabled, ethnic, LGBTIQ+, and homeless and transient communities.

"These groups are in various stages of being established, as we work with community leaders and government representatives on the best way forward," says Tia.

Initially, the groups will contribute to the planning for the next census, but other key statistics programmes will also benefit from their advice and perspectives.

While the arrangements for each group are likely to be different, the first to be established will be the Crown‑Māori Statistical Design Forum (the Forum).

Stats NZ is seeking expressions of interest for members to join the Forum, which will reflect iwi Māori data needs and aspirations, and contribute to how future census data and statistics are planned and developed.

The Forum's membership will bring together different regional insights, and a broad mix of expertise, knowledge, and experience.

Collectively, the membership will include Māori data governance, statistical and data expertise, te ao Māori, tikanga, and iwi, hapū, and whānau perspectives.

"Members will play a key role in ensuring our statistical products and services are shaped by, and for, the communities they are intended to serve," says Tia.

Stats NZ will share further updates about the setup of these community design groups over the coming months, including future opportunities for people to get involved.

The Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run/Walk is set to bring a burst of energy, colour, and community spirit to Innes Common at Hamilton Lake on Sunday, 15 February 2026, from 10 am.

Designed as a celebration of health, wellbeing, and togetherness, the event is expected to draw around 2,000 participants of all ages and fitness levels. With food trucks, music, activities, and plenty of bright, joy-filled moments, it promises to be one of Hamilton’s most uplifting community gatherings of the year.

More than a fun day out, the Colour Run/Walk proudly supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organisation that helps families stay close to their children while they receive hospital care. Every ticket purchased and every donation made contribute directly to this meaningful cause, providing comfort and support when families need it most.

Participants will begin their journey at Innes Common before following the track around Hamilton Lake (just under 4km). Along the way, they will pass through a series of Colour Stations, each sponsored by a local business. Volunteers will be ready with colour powder to add a vibrant splash to every runner’s experience. It’s a simple concept that creates unforgettable memories and spectacular energy. Beyond the course itself, the event features several dedicated zones to keep the excitement flowing.

The Warm-Up Zone will get everyone moving before the start, while the Fun Zone offers activities and games for kids. You do not have to run or walk. Those wanting a breather can make the most of the Chill Zone, a relaxed space to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere.

The finish area will be alive with activity, complete with food trucks, music, entertainment, and an MC to keep the energy high long after the run ends.

Tickets can be bought by visiting the website www.HamiltonColourRun.co.nz. If you cannot attend the event, we encourage everyone to make a donation by visiting the website. Local businesses can also get involved by hosting a Mufti Day at their workplace and collecting donations to support the event. Whether you join the run, volunteer, donate, or simply cheer from the sidelines, it’s the perfect opportunity to come together for a brilliant cause.

McDonald’s Frankton  

Contact  - Pooja Goel

E colourrun@pjmaccas.co.nz

P 0225036001

https://www.hamiltoncolourrun.co.nz/contact

https://www.facebook.com/mcdonaldsfrankton

https://www.instagram.com/franktonmcdonalds

Arrowtown Memorial Pool will open Saturday 29 November at 11.00am for the 2025/26 summer season. However, due to the LPG boiler failing just before opening day, the pool will return to pre 2019 temperatures, using the sun as its primary heating source.

Originally introduced in 2019, the boiler was only supposed to survive one season but has lived a good life running well for four seasons.

QLDC Sport & Recreation Manager, Simon Battrick, said that options to fix the boiler were investigated, but weren't feasible.

The boiler would be quite expensive to fix or replace. Next year there will be a project to upgrade the energy system at our aquatic facilities to a clean heating system as a key action of QLDC's Climate and Biodiversity Action plan. We'll embrace the cold this season while we wait for this project to kick off and come into effect before the 2026/27 season.

Mikayla Oliver, aquatics manager, said the opening weekend will feature free entry for those curious about the water temperature.

We're excited to start somewhat of a retro season where we return to the way the pool was run from the 20-teens and before. We're offering free entry during the opening weekend so the community can come dive in before committing to entry prices.

We've already had conversations with some keen lake swimmers and cold water enthusiasts excited for the season ahead.

Arrowtown Memorial Pool will keep the toddler pool closed during this season and are encouraging parents to keep young swimmers in wetsuits.

The opening day will feature free entry and a BBQ from 11.00am. Come on down to Arrowtown Memorial Pool for the first outdoor swim of the season!

On Thursday 27 November the Murihiku community came together at Invercargill's ILT Stadium to celebrate Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku, the Southern Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme, and its efforts over the past year.

In attendance were many of the community providers, organisations and agencies who are part of the work programme, as well as special guests including Associate Minister of Police, the Honorable Casey Costello, Police Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie, Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell, local government representatives, and iwi.

The event also included performances form local rangatahi groups.

The ROCC work programme was launched in Southland in March 2023 and was gifted the name Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku by local kaumatua.

This name reflects the fortitude, strength and stamina of the Murihiku community, resonating with those involved in the programme.

A source of pride since its inception has been the magnitude and quality of local buy‑in from key Southland stakeholders.

The event provided the opportunity for Minister Costello to revisit and celebrate the successes of the programme of work over the past 12 months, having attended the announcement of the successful ROCC initiatives in 2024.

Service providers were also able to share their experiences and details of their projects with the Minister over the course of the celebratory event.

Alongside Southland Police's sustained focus and successes in enforcing organised crime, the Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku and ROCC work programme has continued to enable local communities to become more connected, and has worked hard to reduce the chance of organised crime and its harmful effects to take root.

A key part of this has been the number of partnership initiatives backed through the ROCC programme of work that Southern District Police have been proud to be involved with.

Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie spoke about this collective pride at the celebration event.

"I think it's important to have an occasion like this, where we can come together and reflect on the many 'wins' we are achieving through our community‑driven, efforts that are tailor‑made for our own Southern Communities."

Superintendent Guthrie went on to outline a number of the providers that have received funding through the Community Resilience and Whānau Support funding, that Police have been able to assist through the ROCC work programme.

This has included the Gore Blue Light registered charity that works alongside Police, which has this year been able to create camp experiences for local rangatahi aimed at building leadership skills, confidence and encouraging goal‑setting.

This also included an intensive week‑long Life Skills Camp at Burnham Military Camp for seven youth participants as part of an alternative resolution pathway, away from the Youth Court justice system.

"I'm really pleased to say that our local participants in this course returned home with renewed engagement in school, with some gaining part‑time or full‑time employment, and have not come back to Police attention." said Superintendent Guthrie.

Another of the many initiatives undertaken throughout the year that was highlighted was the Police partnership with Plunket services, in running special traffic checkpoints to ensure child restraints are correct and safe.

Through the funding received, brand new child restraints and seating were able to be provided for those who were found to have unsafe or not fit‑for‑purpose child restraints.

"And that's what the ROCC kaupapa is all about," said Superintendent Guthrie.

"This is the kind of prevention work and support Police can, and will, continue to provide alongside our persistent and targeted enforcement of organised crime in Southern Communities.

"Our Southern Organised Crime Units have been able to make some massive dents in the local distribution of meth through their excellent enforcement work, which removes a lot of harm from our streets.

"However, we simply can't arrest our way out of the harm that organised crime and meth inflict on our communities.

That's why we are so proud and privileged to be part of the important prevention work alongside our highly valued partners, community agencies and organisations working under ROCC."

The Derek Wootton Memorial Trust is donating its remaining funds in the most fitting fashion.

The trust was set up following the death of Porirua police officer Derek Wootton, killed in the line of duty on 11 July, 2008. In its first decade alone, the trust raised nearly $120,000 to go towards helping young people achieve their goals, such as course fees at Whitireia.

The trust has generously supported Te Pahi, the Porirua City Community Bus, since Te Pahi was established by Porirua City Council in 2016. The bus has transported school‑aged young people to varied places and events across the region, including cross‑country meets, Kaitoke Outdoor Education, Zealandia and Parliament, among many others.

The decision has been made to dissolve the Derek Wootton Memorial Trust, however, with its parting gift being the donation of its remaining funds, about $8000, to Te Pahi.

Porirua City Council wishes to thank the trust for its wonderful support of Te Pahi since 2016, allowing tamariki and rangatahi to attend educational and sporting activities within Porirua and across the wider region.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is transferring ownership of five senior housing units in Upton Street, Wānaka to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT).

The transfer means the units will remain in permanent community ownership, providing ongoing access to affordable housing for eligible local seniors.

QLDC General Manager of Property & Infrastructure Tony Avery said, the transfer would allow for more specialised management of the senior housing portfolio.

"The housing trust is a well‑established and highly experienced provider of affordable and community housing in the district."

"Its Senior Housing is designed to provide affordable, long‑term, secure tenure in good quality homes to older people in our community. Tenants will benefit from a high standard of care and tenancy services that comes with having the expertise and resources of a registered community housing provider," Mr Avery said.

The asset transfer would also enable the Trust to obtain a mortgage to redevelop adjacent land it owns in Wānaka, to further increase the number of affordable housing units available in the district in the future.

"Housing remains one of our district's biggest challenges. Council is committed to supporting and amplifying the work of the housing trust as we work together to improve housing options for everyone," Mr Avery said.

QLCHT Chief Executive Julie Scott says "we're excited to be bringing this important community asset into QLCHT's portfolio. With 18 years' experience running community housing, our team is well equipped to look after these vulnerable tenants, and we look forward to developing the site further."

The transfer of titles follows formal consultation and a decision of Council to remove the senior housing stock from its strategic assets register, which is part of the Significance and Engagement Policy.

There are four further Council‑owned senior housing units located in Arrowtown. These units will also be transferred to the Housing Trust at a later date.