? "With a little help from my friends..." ?
Meet Ellen (L) and Mary (R) - part of Masterton Neighbourhood Support's Weconnect programme.
Ellen, who is originally from the Netherlands, meets with Mary for an hour every week at the bakery where she works to catch up and discuss how she's adjusting to life here in New Zealand. It's also a great chance to work on conversational skills including picking up Kiwi phrases from Mary who also volunteers as an English tutor running free lessons for Weconnect participants in Masterton.
Ellen happens to have a second Weconnect buddy, Rose, who is based in Martinborough - where they both live. Rose had moved to the area following the Christchurch quakes so is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to natural disaster preparedness, something Ellen isn't used to thinking about.
By working with a local buddy, Weconnect supports residents from culturally diverse backgrounds to feel safe, resilient and connected in their new community. If you live in the Wairarapa region and would love to help participants get settled in and make local connections, please email Cathy Cameron: cathy@connectingcommunities.org.nz
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.6% Yes
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8% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Roger Hall's latest play at Circa Theatre
Roger Hall is back! With his latest comedy, End of Summer Time.
Experience Sir Roger Hall's End of Summer Time, the third instalment of the lovable character Dickie Hart, starring Gavin Rutherford.
Dickie Hart is told by wife Glenda they have to move from Wellington to Auckland. How will Dickie cope with apartment living, meeting new people, Covid lockdown, getting a new driver's licence…and possibly even having to support The Blues?
"Once again, clever Sir Roger Hall strikes comedy gold…End of Summer Time is a great night out. Don’t miss it!”
- Ross Jolly, Director.
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