This is our second community update about what’s happening to address needs arising in our community as a result of the fuel and affordability crisis. We know that as winter sets in, costs rise even more for people in our community.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust – Community Wellbeing Connector
Our big news for this update is that Raglan Naturally Community Trust have been able to reinstate well-known local Lara Sweetman in the Community Wellbeing Connector role.
The primary role of the Community Wellbeing Connector is to connect our community to available supports. As part of this, Lara has been in discussion with key services and community groups to assess their priority needs. These have included Raglan Community House, the Takarangi Team at Raglan Medical, Tūmanako Whaingaroa and Te Toi Ora ki Whaingaroa. With a vast network of long-standing relationships which span the community, Lara holds a wealth of knowledge and connections.
You can contact Lara on 0800 776 741 or lara.sweetman@raglannaturally.co.nz
A special thanks to Purelink for their generous sponsorship of our 800 support line.
Raglan Refill – Strengthening Local Food Resilience
Raglan Refill is our very own community-led, non-profit, zero-waste grocery shop. A key player in supporting and building our local food resilience, Raglan Refill has a focus on strengthening access for our community to affordable essentials.
The fuel and affordability crisis is being treated with urgency by Raglan Refill who have been proactive in looking at practical ways they are able to support the community.
For store manager, Eloise Deller, “this is not just about responding to a short-term crisis – it’s an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient local model and play a positive role in helping our community through tough times”.
Although shopping at a refill store is new for some people, Eloise says, “Once people start buying with us, they can’t believe how cheap it is”
Supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, there is always a warm welcome and someone to give advice and help you to fill your jars.
Determined to make refilling a normal part of life in our community, Eloise is always on the hunt for more bulk-buy suppliers. Just recently she has been able to add that all-time household favourite ‘weetbix’ to the Raglan Refill range.
Raglan Refill has become a valued community asset. By strengthening access to affordable essentials and reducing our reliance on fragile supply chains, Raglan Refill are not only responding to short-term need, they are helping our community to become more prepared, self-reliant and resilient.
If you haven’t been to Raglan Refill, call in and see what they have to offer. You will be sure to get a warm Raglan Refill welcome
Community Energy Whāingaroa
Winter is well and truly upon us. There are many things we can do to minimise our home energy needs. Julia, our community home energy mentor, provides free advice to help save energy and keep your home warm. She runs a weekly drop in clinics 12-3pm Mondays, at the Raglan Community House. The team provide free Home Energy Checks, and eligible homes are given energy‑saving resources. Marae health clinics can also connect you with home energy support.
For more information:
Visit our website https://cewh.nz
Contact Tania: tania@cewh.org.nz 0220212290
Hua Whāingaroa: Connecting Local Producers with Local People
We’re setting up our new click-and-collect online market, specialising in fresh local produce. You’ll be able to order from our local suppliers and pick up your goods on Thursdays from the Tiny Shop next to Raglan Refill on Bow St, 5–7pm.
Our first market opens for orders, from Saturday 18 July to midnight Tuesday 21 July.
Orders will open each Saturday and close at midnight on Tuesday.
https://openfoodnetwork.org.nz/hua-whaingaroa-shop/shop#/about_panel
Are you a local producer and would like to join our online market? Have questions?
We would love to hear from you.
Email us at hua.whaingaroa.org.nz
Hua Whāingaroa is proudly supported by Whāingaroa Environment Centre and Xtreme Zero Waste.
