
Arwen Flowers
Community Facilitator - Helensville & South Kaipara
South Kaipara: environmentally diverse & community-minded
I moved to the environmentally diverse region of South Kaipara in 2012, drawn by the close-knit, community-minded spirit I experienced while I stayed at the Helensville Birthing Centre.
It’s been a fabulous, friendly and close-knit place to raise a family, with an amazing rural lifestyle!
Through the last decade I have found that Helensville, Parakai and the surrounding district offer essential community service needs without losing that genuine, small-town vibe. We’ve got most of what we need on a day-to-day basis—education options, retail and trade shops, health and emergency services, and parks. What was really evident to me then, and now, is that Helensville and South Kaipara is focussed on being a safe, connected place for people and families, and that so many locals genuinely support this community in any way they can. Plus, we’re so close to nature! The Parakai hot springs, biking and walking in the forest, horse riding, and exploring the Kaipara Coast are all right on our doorstep. As a Community Facilitator, my job is to actively protect and boost our community spirit with Manaakitanga, as well as being a responsible guardian of materials, facilities and places. I can help local people, groups, schools, and businesses to team up together and establish resources that can be used and shared—connecting people with what they need to be successful. My focus will be on supporting existing communication networks by spreading the word about local projects and needs. I will be keeping my eyes and ears open, to spot what could be missing in our services with the intention of reaching those who may not be already supported as part of our community. It is a privilege to be a part in empowering people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in the Helensville, Parakai and wider South Kaipara area—building on the existing foundations of our resilient community which is grounded in such a lush and beautiful location. |
If you would like to chat with me about your thoughts on how we can build on our resilient community, come and visit me at the Council meeting room, next to the Library at 49 Commercial Rd, on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm. Email: arwen@rodneycommunity.org.nz |