Kaiwaka centre a community affair

 

The Kaiwaka Drop In Centre opened as a Kaiwaka Care’s initiative in July this year.

Based in the lounge at Kate’s Place opposite the Cheese Shop on SH1, the centre is open to all as a place to meet, share resources, teach, learn, have a cuppa, eat, use the wi-fi or the printer, listen or be listened to, in fact whatever is needed by the community.

Koha is the basis of usage and community service is the goal of the Centre.

The Centre has run a couple of ‘mini workshops’, held a number of meetings and been involved with the ongoing Eutopia sculptural work, the renewal of the Kaiwaka community garden, the Council /NZTA initiative to improve Kaiwaka town centre, and the beginnings of a Community Safety liaison with the police.

Currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-2pm, more volunteers are required to assist and enable the service to stay open as-is, though hours may be flexible.

The Centre has issued an open invitation to all to their Christmas lunch on Monday, December 14 at midday at the centre. Bring a plate if you’d like to contribute but you’re welcome anyway.

There will also be a suggestion book at the luncheon to share ideas for the service or other support. Suggestion boxes will be also be made available in the local shops for your ideas which may raise the profile of the Centre and provide more services or instruction for those in need.

“We can only be a community service if you help us imagine the community we all want,” says spokesperson Rhona Vickoce. “We look forward to meeting you.”

Contact the Centre by email at caring4kaiwaka@gmail.com.