Ana Apatu: Poverty vs the wealth of community

Ana Apatu

Some of my friends are in mourning. Monique and Henry Heke have not made it through the semifinal of My Kitchen Rules. Henry - one of our 2016 Flaxmere Heroes tells us during the calendar launch how this experience has brought Monique and him closer together as a couple. My Kitchen Rules lays rules about how couples are not allowed to talk over each other during the show. This in itself is quite a feat for exuberant Henry. But, hey, what courage to do this - I personally could not think of anything worse than being televised - under pressure with your partner, cooking.

This year is just about over. What a year. My final opinion piece for 2015. What a privilege to share stories with you. It has been a real pleasure to share the highs and lows of working in a vibrant community, Flaxmere. Stories from people who have shared their thoughts with me. Time to reflect on this past year.

The many highs includes people from this community doing such wonderful work - the generosity and kindness of those who give. The richness, the diversity of Paharakeke Flaxmere. Young people and untapped potential - whether it be academically, sport, dance, the arts. Providing the opportunity for our young people to excel. Ensuring our young people feel connected and supported.

Opportunities created through our local schools, including the teen parent unit. Sport opportunities - Birchleigh Polo Club - recently recruited young people from Flaxmere College to form a school team, Flaxmere Boxing Academy - full classes, plans in place for 2016 with Coach Merrill Purcell, Music Academy Tipene Harmer, Te Wanganga Whare Tapere o Takitimu taking young people to degree status in performing arts, Thompson and Alayna Hokianga Kapa Haka, Directions Youth Health Service extending its clinic to Totara Health in Flaxmere, the Jarmy Army with Plunket and church groups.

Some of the lows this year - those young people who do not feel connected, cold damp houses, and lastly children living in poverty. It feels as if the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. We need to make a stand against child poverty. As well as national leadership - local communities can make a difference. Unicef's Fair Future NZ - could support Fair Future Flaxmere. Ensuring our children are our priority.

If we look forward and think about 2016 - big pieces of work for U-Turn are - Takitimu Ora - ensuring young people aged 15-19 are engaged in employment, education and training. Housing in Flaxmere, insulation, curtains and ideally a heating device - a compliant woodburner with a wetback.

Plus ensuring good landlord practices. If we do this well we could make a huge difference to improve the wellbeing of families. Partnering with key agencies with a clear expectation of what needs to occur and shared responsibility is critical.

Personally for me I reflect on those who are not here. My Dad Rei, who died suddenly, unexpectedly, I miss you. Jono, my late husband, who died January 2013. It's tough losing your loved one - someone I shared 25 years with. Jono sometimes I still think you might walk around the corner one day. Grief is weird - it is always there, but the sting goes over time.

I have three weeks off writing. I will be sharing Christmas here with my Mum Jen and her husband David, my brother Jonty and his family. New Year will be back at Jerusalem Bay Taupo with the Randell whanau. Goobs and I will be spending time on our luxury fishing boat - our 12-foot dinghy - spinning yarns, enjoying good food and enjoying great company.

Jerusalem Bay situated on the western side of the lake - between Acacia Bay and Whakamoenga Point. The only house in the Bay. Tents caravans, camper trailers are put up over the summer break period where the family gets together to share time. Situated right on the lake it is the sort of place that after a couple of days, one gets reluctant to brush hair or even go into town for supplies.

Finally to those of you who have supported us, we thank you. It's now time to wind down. We have a big year ahead of us. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere. -Ana is taking a break. Her column resumes on January 12.