key community connector
Sharing and learning together.
The community has been brought together to focus on a wide range of important community kaupapa. Community wellbeing and safety, sport and recreation, our environment, and community resilience are just some of the forums we’ve hosted. Events such as Neighbour’s Day which bring our community together at the flaxroots have also been supported.
We’ve facilitated access to expertise to help grow our community-led development practice, build community capacity, support leadership and collaborate to grow action. Workshop topics have included funding and sponsorship, governance and social enterprise development.
Helping our community actively participate in important community processes is another part of our role. Our Town Hall ‘Meet the Candidates’ events for local body elections have been important points of community connection and learning.
The Raglan Chronicle
Raglan Naturally working together for Whāingaroa
Created by the community in 2001 as a shared vision of Raglan’s future, the Raglan Naturally community plan was designed as a living document to guide and manage growth and development while protecting and enhancing Raglan’s unique character.
Project coordinator Gabrielle says an amazing amount of time has been invested by a dedicated group of volunteers representing many different voices, points of view and with a wealth of different skill sets.
“It is really wonderful to see enthusiasm and interest from a diverse group of people as we work toward creating an updated community plan.”
The Raglan Chronicle
Raglan Naturally leading the charge for community-led development.
Raglan Naturally have had a win for community-led planning teaming up in a five-year partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Selected to be part of the DIA Community-led Development Programme, Raglan Naturally coordinator Gabrielle Parson says it is an exciting opportunity for the community and a win for continuing grassroots development here.
“The programme is a perfect fit for Raglan Naturally as it uses the same community-led approach we have already been working with. It has been about working together, building on our strengths, encouraging wide participation, developing local leaders and an action plan to measure and celebrate our achievements,” she says.
The Raglan Chronicle
Fostering community connection.
Held over 10 days between 18-27 March, Neighbour’s Day is a nation-wide initiative that celebrates community connectedness, resilience and manaakitanga.
Locally in Whāingaroa, the inititaive was supported by the Raglan Naturally team to foster community resilience through networking and connection.
“It was great to see different ages participating, and to be connecting with our rural communities,” said Raglan Naturally Community-Led Development Coordinator Gabrielle Parson.
Neighbour’s Day 2022 encouraged people to connect with their neighbours in some way, through a simple act like sharing a greeting card or some baking. Raglan residents shared the various ways they connected with their neighbours with some sending thank you cards, and others sharing jams and cakes.
The Raglan Chronicle
Meet the candidates event.
Raglan Naturally, Raglan Business Chamber and Taurikura co-hosted the Meet the Candidates Event in Raglan on Sunday.
It was a very successful event with all of the 20 candidates attending and a good turnout from the community. Candidates were in attendance for the positions of:
Waikato District Council Mayor
Tai Runga Takiwaa Māori Ward Councillor
Whāingaroa Ward Councillor
Raglan Community Board candidates
Waikato Regional Council Councillors
Ngā Hau e Whā Councillor candidates
The Raglan Chronicle
Whāingaroa Talent Factory.
Whāingaroa turned out in full force for the annual Whāingaroa Talent Factory (WTF24) youth music showcase that filled Raglan Town Hall with the sounds of local talent. The event drew a large, enthusiastic crowd keen to support our young, emerging artists.
The night kicked off with Bella Alexander and Selva & Co, followed by newcomers Star Knuiman and Wavy State of Mind, who made waves fresh from their success at the Waikato Rockquest finals. Fans were also treated to the final performance from Abstract Fish Lungs, marking the end of an era for the much-loved band.
