community-led development in action
What we do.
We seek out and partner with groups and organisations who align with the values and aspirations of the Raglan Naturally Community Plan.
These shared community values and aspirations provide the foundation for how we work together – both to solve problems, as well as realise exciting new possibilities.
Guided by the Community Plan
Strategic positioning.
Our close connections, relationships and strategic positioning mean we are flexible and agile. Sometimes we lead and coordinate, particularly in times of high community need where real-time responses are essential. Sometimes we actively enable the long -term vision of others. Sometimes we support in the background.
Guided by the Community Plan, Raglan Naturally Community Trust has supported a range of community-led projects over the years. Reflective of our Pou, these projects have connected community groups and organisations; facilitated collaboration; supported local leaders and volunteers; helped initiatives gain funding and resources; and created opportunities for engagement with our community.
Our Projects.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust partnered with the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) to transform and restore the town's iconic water reservoir tower.
Volunteers don’t just donate their time - they build relationships, share knowledge, and bring energy, skills, manaaki and aroha. With more than 65 local organisations relying on volunteers, they are the beating heart of Whāingaroa Raglan. Raglan Naturally Community Trust brings our volunteer community together to celebrate the amazing mahi they do.
Responding to requests for support, Raglan Naturally Community Trust has been able to facilitate a range of mātauranga Māori learning opportunities for rangatahi at Raglan Area School.
Whāingaroa Youthwork Collective – Ngā Whakaruruhau Māhuri is a community-led initiative dedicated to supporting and uplifting rangatahi by connecting youth workers, mentors, and community supporters to collaborate, organise events, and advocate for youth in Raglan.
Sharing Land to Grow Food is a food sovereignty project led by Whāingaroa Environment Centre (WEC). The project connects landowners willing to share their land with people looking for space to grow food, whether for small urban gardening or larger-scale production, and supports them to work together.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust has provided support for project coordination, meeting, workshop costs and communications.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust has taken the lead in exploring resilience with our community. Our community workshops have included insights from mana whenua; mapping our past and current resilience; showcasing and celebrating local projects; and prioritising opportunities for resilience building and how to action these as a community.
The Government is changing how our local governments are organised. What does this mean for Whāingaroa? Could council mergers improve efficiency? How do we make sure local communities keep a strong voice in decision-making?
Raglan Naturally Community Trust is leading a community-wide response focused on how to best support our community in the face of rapidly rising fuel prices and cost of living challenges.
The Raglan Naturally Community Trust appointed its Community Wellbeing Connector (CWC) in September 2022. The initial CWC role was funded by the Ministry of Social Development for 12 months. In 2026, the CWC role has been re-established as a key part of our Cost of Living Community Response.
Formed in 2018, Tumanako Whāingaroa is a community-led group committed to supporting mental health, suicide prevention and postvention in Whāingaroa Raglan. Raglan Naturally Community Trust has provided support for Tumanako Whāingaroa to become established and grow their capacity across the community.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust has supported the establishment of the Whāingaroa Community Response Group (WCRG). The WCRG is a community-led volunteer group established to support the community before, during and after an emergency event.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust have partnered with the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) to develop and implement a community-led five-year Tourism & Events Strategy.
The Government is changing how our local governments are organised. What does this mean for Whāingaroa? Could council mergers improve efficiency? How do we make sure local communities keep a strong voice in decision-making?
Raglan Naturally Community Trust is leading a community-wide response focused on how to best support our community in the face of rapidly rising fuel prices and cost of living challenges.
The Raglan Naturally Community Trust appointed its Community Wellbeing Connector (CWC) in September 2022. The initial CWC role was funded by the Ministry of Social Development for 12 months. In 2026, the CWC role has been re-established as a key part of our Cost of Living Community Response.
Formed in 2018, Tumanako Whāingaroa is a community-led group committed to supporting mental health, suicide prevention and postvention in Whāingaroa Raglan. Raglan Naturally Community Trust has provided support for Tumanako Whāingaroa to become established and grow their capacity across the community.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust has supported the establishment of the Whāingaroa Community Response Group (WCRG). The WCRG is a community-led volunteer group established to support the community before, during and after an emergency event.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust have partnered with the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) to develop and implement a community-led five-year Tourism & Events Strategy.
Looking to get involved?
Want to partner with us, have an idea, or just want to learn more?
