Waikanae Support Hub opens

Kapiti mayor K Gurunathan talking with community members at the Waikanae Support Hub opening.

Councillors, community groups, members of Volunteer Kapiti and local businesses gathered at the opening of the Waikanae Support Hub which was spearheaded by Iride McCloy.

Following the closure of the Waikanae police station and the lack of other resources in Waikanae, Ms McCloy has created a support hub in Waikanae for all ages who need support.

"We don't have anywhere for people to come for budget advice, police, lost and found concerns, harassment and just general support," she said.

Ms McCloy isolation led to mental health issues such as reclusiveness that all added to the health issues faced by Waikanae's ageing population.

"We provide a more specialised service than the Citizens Advice Bureau, and are there to support those who need advice and might need help making phone calls to the right people.

"We provide a place for other services to come.

"A lot of service organisations such as Alzheimer's and Arthritis New Zealand have wanted to come to Waikanae but couldn't come previously as there were no facilities for them."

Kapiti Mayor K Gurunathan opened the hub, congratulating Ms McCloy and her team of volunteers.

"I congratulate you on being a community that has stood up and said 'we can do this'," he said to an audience of about 40 people.

"It will be fantastic for the concept of this hub to grow.

"Waikanae is a growth area and you must shape your community and landscape as you want, just as Otaki, Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and other parts of this district must do.

"It is a chance to make yourself different."

The hub aims to get support and advisers from current services to help people on a host of issues.

Health, housing, financial and relationship concerns are all huge areas, however Mr Gurunathan said Waikanae had the resources to make the hub successful.

"Many people have moved up from Wellington and have an immense amount of skills to be tapped into."

The hub is currently run by a board and volunteers, with more volunteers needed for the hub to grow to its potential.

"We want people to be able to come in even if it's just company over a cup of tea or someone for a new mum without family to talk to"

The hub is located at 13a Mahara Place and is open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

For more information call 293 8890 or email waikanaehub@outlook.com