Matariki feature pages 22-25 Mahurangi Matters thanks Ngati Manuhiri for its translation of some of our regular feature headings for this edition, marking our first national observance of Matariki.
Local Folk: Linda Clapham page 11
Construction pages 34-46
June 20, 2022
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Jo Nicholson (left) and Team Time coordinator Melanie Medland can’t stop smiling after the centre’s unexpected win.
Anonymous nomination delivers Warkworth windfall What initially looked like a scam has turned out to be a $20,000 windfall for the Women’s Centre Rodney. The charity collected the prize as one of only two NZ finalists in the WeightWatchers Wellness Impact Awards, which were judged by public vote. The other finalist was the national organisation Period Place. Centre manager Jo Nicholson says the centre is over the moon and can’t thank the community enough, both for the nomination and the support.
“We didn’t know we had been nominated – in fact, we still don’t know who nominated us – so when I saw an email telling us we’d won, my first reaction was to delete it,” Nicholson says. “It looked like a scam. “I contacted WeightWatchers, in the United States where the email originated, to let them know that their account might have been compromised. They got on the phone immediately and said, ‘No, don’t delete it. It’s true.’” Nicholson says the grant will be used to
develop new programmes that have been on the ‘wish list’ for a while. “We will ask the community to identify the priorities, but it could be used to support some of our counselling courses, which are currently not funded. A lot of women are struggling financially and there is a lot of anxiety in the community, so initiatives that help in these areas might also benefit.” The Rodney Womens Centre has been providing support and services for women for more than 30 years. Nicholson, who
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joined the centre earlier this year, says the grant is a validation of many people’s work over many years. The centre offers a safe place for women to meet, relax and learn. As well as counselling, it runs personal development courses, holistic life coaching, a young mums group, a legal clinic, free cervical screening, arts and crafts courses, and sustainable living courses, which includes maintaining a centre garden. continued on page 2
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