| Mahurangimatters 13 June 201220

The New Zealand Fire Service plays a major role in providing an emergency response to New Zealand communities. Most of these communities depend on volunteers for their every day �re protection. Men and women from many walks of life are volunteer �re�ghters. Volunteers include the self-employed, mothers at home, shift workers, people looking for work, tradespeople and professionals. They are all people who care about their communities and want to be actively involved in them.

WE NEED YOU!

JOIN YOUR LOCAL FOR:

SKILLS • COMMUNITY • MATES • RECOGNITION • TRAINING

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHERS

Rural Areas• Ahuroa• Matakana• Puhoi• Kaukapakapa

• Leigh• Warkworth• Wellsford• Helensville

For more information about becoming a volunteer �re�ghter, please contact: • 0800 001 202 or visit www.volunteer.fire.org.nz

We are also recruiting Medical Responders in these urban and rural areas

Urban AreasUrban Areas

communityVOLUNTEERS FEATURE

heroesWarkworth resident Julie Atkinson joined St John as a Caring Caller two years ago, a decision which marked a key turning point in her life.“I’d spent the last five years recovering from a head injury, and three years after that working with speech therapists – I felt it was time for me to be part of the real world again,” she says. “It’s very lonely being home all day by yourself, with only the dog to talk to! I can talk, but most of all I can listen. One day I saw an advertisement asking for people who loved to talk with others, and the more I read, the more I wanted to be a Caring Caller for St John.”Caring Caller is a national programme that provides a free telephone friendship service through trained volunteers, for anyone who needs it. Organised regionally, caring callers are matched with clients and make regular phone calls to support them. “Now I’m getting to listen to and support others, I’m not lonely anymore. I feel they are looking forward to my calls as much as I’m looking forward to making them. My past jobs had sale targets and deadlines to meet but with this voluntary job, it is all about heart.”Caring Callers are matched with their clients, and call according to their client’s needs. This may be daily, or two to three times a week, at a mutually agreed time. One of Julie’s clients is a woman in her 80s who is suffering memory loss. Julie relates well to her following her own personal challenge with head injury, and spends their conversations taking

Cheers for volunteersThe theme of this month’s Volunteer Awareness Week, from June 17 to 23, is Building Communities Through Volunteering. It’s New Zealand’s largest celebration of volunteers, volunteerism and civic participation. Volunteering New Zealand’s chief executive Vanisa Dhiru says volunteers are creating positive change on many fronts – community health care, sports and recreation, heritage and arts, environmental protection and advocacy, disaster relief, international development, and volunteer fire fighting – the list is endless. “The work of volunteers is essential to building resilient communities at home, online, and around the world,” she says. “The need to support and get involved in volunteering is important for basic civil society to function, from ‘grass-roots’ volunteering to online volunteering. As a nation we can build community connections through helping out in our communities – we’ve seen it happen across the country in recent months; from Tauranga oil spills and the Rugby World Cup, to supporting our friends in Christchurch.”Vanisa says we should think of communities as widely as possible – local regions, interest groups, online networks, and people with similar or shared values.“It’s about putting your communities and energy into action, and getting the impact we need to ensure all the communities of Aotearoa thrive. Volunteers are the backbone of our society. Supporting volunteering and getting involved means we need everyone to be an active citizen and support their communities for greater outcomes and better lifestyles.”

Julie Atkinson is a Caring Caller team leader for Warkworth, as well as being the face of the national Caring Caller campaign on TV.

St John care just a phone call away

her back to when she was young and encouraging her to share her stories.“Caring Caller is a way to support people to maintain their independence within their community, and enable them to be safe in their own homes. They may have a St John medical alarm and St John Caring Caller provides them with social support.To learn more about the programme, or to become a St John Caring Caller, phone John Eadie, on (09) 526 0527 ext 8902.The St John Annual Appeal runs from June 18 to 24.

Mahurangimatters 13 June 2012 | 2121

Can you spare up to 4hrs a week to assist people in the Warkworth / Wellsford / Mangawhai area with

budgeting advice? Full training provided. Applicants must have own reliable transport.

For more details phone the Warkworth / Wellsford Budget Service on 423 7123

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDTO BE TRAINED AS BUDGET ADVISERS

Our visiting service is unable to meet the requests we have to visit older folk who are feeling isolated.

If you could spare an hour a week to brighten someone’s life please call Pauline on 09 426 0916 or email age_concern_rodney@xtra.co.nz

WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED

JOIN THE WARKWORTH RSA

for just $55.00 per year (or less if you’re a Returned or Service person) and enjoy our Support Services like :

A light lunch (Hot Soup and a bun ) Monday and Tuesday just $5.50 and a $10 Hot lunch every Wednesday from 12 noon.

Wednesday Snooker 12.30-4pm

Wednesday Afternoons (fortnightly) Housie

Thursday Pool 1-3pm - Women

Thursday Evenings 7-10pm - Darts, All Welcome

Friday 5pm - $2 Raffles and live Entertainment from 7pm

Saturdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm Social Indoor Bowls

Full Lunch menu also available: Thursday, Friday

Dinners: Thursday, Friday, Saturday

18 Gaming machines available

The Mall * A Picnic* Local sites

For Outings Contact Support Officer:

Joss Myers. Ph: 425 5191

or call the Club telephone 425 8568

Members have the use of our support vehicle for Hospitalappointments—Donation requested.

Suport Services Open Day: 9th October at the RSA, more information to follow.

RSA SUPPORT SERVICES

WE’D LOVE TO GET YOU OUT.

VOLUNTEERS FEATURE

community

One of the rewards of volunteering at the Matakana Information Office is that you get to be well-informed about the district and what’s going on.Chairman Mike Dixon says the office in the foyer of the Matakana Cinemas fields about 8000 enquiries a year.It is run entirely by volunteers, who staff the information desk from 10am to 1pm, seven days a week.“We’ve got 21 volunteers on our books who fill roughly 30 slots a month, but we could always do with more and if anyone is interested, we’d welcome their enquiry,” Mike says.“You don’t need any special skills as most of what we do is taught on the job. All you really need is a pleasant manner

and some basic computer skills.”Most enquiries the office handles are about what to do, where to eat and where to stay. Directions and recommendations are also regularly sought.“It’s surprising how many people arrive because they’ve ‘heard’ of Matakana, but don’t necessarily know what to do when they get here.”Mike says people volunteer for all sorts of reasons including the incentive to be useful and contribute to the community spirit of Matakana.“In my case, it was just a great excuse to get away from the chores at home!”Further information: Phone Mike on 422 7322.

Matakana visitors told where to go

heroes

Springboard seeks mentorsSpringboard Community Works in Snells Beach has been delivering support to vulnerable and at risk youth for the past decade, thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers.Director Gary Diprose says that while Springboard’s programmes and services are designed to empower and transform lives, it is the hard work that their volunteers put in that inspires people to change.“They are fundamental to our organisation,” he says. “The more volunteers we have, the more we can connect with the community and bring about positive changes.”The service has around 45 volunteers including mentors, tutors and support workers. Gary says there is always a need for additional mentors.“We are looking for people who can mentor children aged between eight to 12 years in Warkworth and Wellsford.

Applicants will need a clean police record and will be screened and given the appropriate training. They will meet the child on a weekly basis for up to three hours and go on an outing once a term.”Gary says mentors need to have a positive attitude, a loving and caring nature, and will want to make a difference in a young person’s life. He says grandparents and retired adults make great mentors as they have the time and can share their experiences. “There are a lot of kids in the community who need support.”Springboard, which will celebrate 10 years of service to the community in October, is currently focusing on building and strengthening the organisation for the long-term.Meanwhile, an annual dinner and auction night fundraiser will be held at Ascension Wine Estate on August 4.

Springboard staff members, volunteers and supporters are making good use of the new kitchen facilities at the centre.

| Mahurangimatters 13 June 201222

Warkworth

PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR LOCALS

PROUDLY 100% NEW ZEALAND OWNED AND OPERATED

Some of the Organisations we have supported so far this year:

6 Percy Street, WarkworthPhone 09-425 1040

HOURS 7AM TO 9PM7 DAYS A WEEK

www.newworld.co.nz/warkworth

■ Coast guard – Kawau ■ Warkworth and Wellsford Pipe Band■ Warkworth Lions ■ Warkworth Tennis & Squash ■ Leigh Women’s Bowling Club ■ Point Wells Fishing Club

■ Kawau Island Jazz Festival

■ Point Wells Bowling Club ■ Kawau Bay Fishing Club

■ Omaha Golf Club ■ Warkworth Fire Brigade

■ Golden Oldies Hockey Team ■ Leigh Fishing Helicopter

■ Warkworth Primary School ■ Matakana School

■ Mahurangi Kindergarten ■ Mahurangi Junior Sailing Club

■ Omaha Golf Club ■ Tomarata Hockey Festival

■ Duffy Books in Homes ■ Mahurangi Rugby Club ■ Sandspit Yacht Club ■ Kawau Island Yacht Club■ Omaha Beach Bowling Club ■ Mahurangi College

VOLUNTEERS FEATURE

community heroesWhether its patrolling swimming areas, rescuing people in heavy surf or giving first aid on the beach, every volunteer surf lifeguard is crucial to a safe kiwi summer.Every day, from Labour Weekend to Easter, lifeguards are out setting up red and yellow flags showing the safest place to swim, as well as training lifeguards on how to identify potential victims and potential dangers.Newly-elected Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club president Matt Hunt says the club couldn’t survive without its volunteers who clocked up more than 2000 hours patrolling last season.“We have 38 active patrolling lifeguards and about 120 junior surf members,” he says. “It is a relatively small club, established in 1988, and almost every one involved in the club is a volunteer. Our most visible volunteers are our lifeguards, aged from 14 years to their mid-50s, and they all come from different walks of life.”Elected president in April, Matt has been involved with the club for five years. “I have two daughters aged six and nine and I was keen to get them involved with surf life saving. I offered to help out at the club and ended up a Tadpole Coach for a couple of seasons. For the last three seasons, I’ve been a lifeguard.”Matt is a keen surfer who is also involved with the Omaha Boardriders and he has a background in ocean swimming. He completed the 2.5km Alcatraz swim in San Francisco last year, in freezing conditions and wearing a wetsuit.

Surf lifesaving patrols make summers safer for everyone

“It took me 35 minutes and I finished 85th out of 796 participants.”Matt says he’s keen to continue the hard work put in place by previous president John Williams. “We have a good solid base of lifeguards and it’s important to bring the junior surf members through into the lifeguard environment. Family plays a big role in the club and providing a facility that is family and community-friendly is very important.”

Generations of serviceMangawhai Beach Surf Life Saving Club president Mike Ferguson says the club was founded in

1963 and some of today’s club members are third generation lifeguards from those founding members.“It is a passion for the beach and for the safety of the community that continues the tradition,” he says. “Our volunteers are crucial to the club, not only did they built the amenities that house the rescue service but they also continue to raise funds to provide the service.”Volunteers are aged from five to 80 years, and contribute on a number of levels from junior surf to active guards, reserves, call out squads and social and committee members. We always welcome new volunteers and members. Last year they put in more than 3000 hours patrolling the beach, rescuing 23 people.”

Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club president Matt Hunt completed the

2.5km swim from Alcatraz Island to San

Francisco last year.

Mahurangimatters 13 June 2012 | 23

Members of Warkworth Lions dedicate considerable time and effort to projects that improve and beautify our region. For example:

• Members fundraised and built the children’s playground on the Mahurangi Riverbank.• Contributed to the Warkworth Wharf project.• Are involved in the construction of a walkway from Kowhai View to the cement works.• Helped prepare the Warkworth Birthing Centre for painting. • Provide long-term support for Camp Bentzon on Kawau Island.• Organise the annual Take a Kid Fishing initiative.• Sponsor the Young Speechmaker contestant from Mahurangi College.

Members also fundraise and support numerous other worthy causes such as the Heart Foundation and Parkinson’s NZ.

But it’s not all work and no play – there are regular social activities and a monthly dinner meeting with entertaining guest speakers.

NEWMEMBERS WANTED

Where would we be without the Lions?

THE LIONS CLUB WARKWORTH ARE SEEKING

NEW MEMBERS NOW.

If you are interested in volunteering, leading projects, networking and having fun,

then contact:

Gavin Brough 425 5495Rob Ewenson 425 7281

THE CLUB COVERS WARKWORTH, SNELLS AND ALGIES, OMAHA, POINT WELLS, LEIGH, KAIPARA FLATS AND SCOTTS LANDING.

NEW MEMBERS, NEW BLOOD, NEW IDEASWE NEED

VOLUNTEERS FEATURE

Snells Beach and Algies Bay Neighbourhood Support groups have been lauded as “leading lights” in an organisation renowned for community spirit and volunteer service.Rodney Neighbourhood Support coordinator Karen Little says the two communities are “phenomenal” and “a force to be reckoned with” and names volunteer coordinators Lesley Leversha and Margaret Faed in Snells Beach, and Vivienne Pollock in Algies, as central to the organisation’s success in the area. Lesley has been involved with Neighbourhood Support for about five years and says she’s proud of what the Snells Beach community has achieved, with over 60 groups involving more than 600 households in an area of around 13000 households, making it Rodney’s largest Neighbourhood Support network.She says civil defence emergencies, including a 2007 storm that knocked out power and tsunami threats, reminded everyone that “no man is an island” and significantly boosted participation. Groups are of various sizes, but units of around 10 houses are ideal to ensure everyone knows each other are and coordinators are aware of people

Snells supreme in Neighbourhood Support

living alone who have health issues or are elderly that may need assistance in an emergency.Each determines its own meeting requirements, which may include occasional social “street” get-togethers, but coordinators disseminate most information through phone trees and email.She says crime often goes unreported because people think the police won’t be able to do anything, but it’s important to let them know what is happening.People ringing doorbells in the night and running off could be childish pranks or more seriously, in light of some summer break-ins, potential

burglars testing to see if anyone’s home, she suggests.“People lose sight of the fact that every incident is part of a big jigsaw and if it’s put all together maybe we can stamp out some of these things.”Ongoing concerns in the area include boy racers and graffiti, while recent incidents include major letterbox damage including one ripped off its post and thrown through a house window and a brick mailbox smashed.Like many others, Lesley’s volunteering isn’t limited to Neighbourhood Support. She and Margaret are also both members in complementary volunteer roles with Civil Defence and the Snells Beach Police Station.

Age Concern is looking for volunteers who can spare one hour a week to visit an older person in their home.Visiting Service coordinator Pauline Stewart says the visits are a social call, and an opportunity to keep an eye on older members of the community who are living alone.“Sometimes the visitor will just sit and chat, or they may go for a walk or a coffee,” Pauline says. There are 22 older people on the Visiting Service list in Wellsford, Warkworth and Snells Beach, and their visitors range in age from 22 to 90 years. The service has a waiting list of people wanting a visit, but is currently hampered by the lack of visitor volunteers, particularly in the Wellsford area.“One of our younger visitors in Warkworth is a solicitor who makes her calls during her lunch hour.”Pauline says visitor support meetings are held every two to three months.“Generally, the feedback is very positive. Visitors often get as much out of the visit as the older person.”For more information call Pauline on 09 426 0916.

Loneliness kept at bay by Age Concern service

community heroes

| Mahurangimatters 13 June 201224

ASON BINSA DIVISION OF NORTHLAND WASTE LTD

Wellsford

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

We need men and women as volunteers to assist the people in

your community and help find solutions to their problems.

Our services cover the Warkworth, Wellsford and

Mangawhai areas.

Come and talk to us TODAY!   

1 Matheson Road, WellsfordMonday-Friday 10am to 3pm

Phone 09 423 7333 or 0800 367 222

Email: cab.wells@xtra.co.nz

VOLUNTEERS FEATURE

community heroesThe recently re-located Rodney Women’s Centre is holding an open day on June 28, starting at 10.30am.The event will be an opportunity for the community to view the new premises in Morpeth Street, Warkworth, following the closure of the Warkworth Town Hall in March, which left the centre homeless.Centre coordinator Colleen Julian says although the move was forced upon the centre, it has had some positive results.“We’ve got a considerably smaller space to work in, but the house we’re renting has a sunny aspect, room for a garden and outside play area, and offers more privacy,” she says. “The kitchen and laundry have also been a bonus and we’re hoping to introduce both cooking classes and beginner sewing lessons.”An hour-long lunchtime lecture series on Tuesdays, starting at 12.30pm, will cover topics such as healing winter teas, menopause and backyard weed remedies.Despite the shift, the centre has been able to maintain all its regular courses including the young mums’ extension programme and a career planning and job search workshop.Colleen says the financial fallout of

Maria Collins, who facilitates the young mothers group, gives Caroline McSharry a hand to feed her baby soup prepared in the centre’s kitchen.

Rodney Women’s Centre settles into new Warkworth home

the move is still a concern.The centre received only a token $5000 from the Rodney Local Board to meet relocation costs. It still has to find possibly another $30,000 to meet resource consent conditions, which involves providing concrete carparking, disabled access and fencing.

“If any tradesmen are keen to help we would really welcome their support and any donations of materials would also be a tremendous help.”The centre is also looking for a garden/storage shed and eventually, they hope to install some playground equipment.Any donations of firewood and garden

soil would also be well utilised.Colleen says she sincerely thanks the community for its help during the upheavals.“It was really heartening the way people rallied with offers of support. We are particularly grateful to Burnette O’Connor, from O’Connor Planning, for her guidance through the resource consent process, draftswoman Kerry Woodward and the Gibbs family.”The centre will be holding a fundraiser in July and is looking for items to auction. Any donations can be left at the centre, or phone 425 7261 or 0800 237 674.

An open day will be held at the new centre in Morpeth Street on June 28.

Mahurangimatters 13 June 2012 | 25

St John needs more volunteers

Join us, it could change your lifeBeing a St John volunteer at events or on an ambulance could be just what you’re looking for. Working with a dedicated team, learning new skills and giving something valuable back to your community, can be incredibly rewarding.

For more information call 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785 646) or visit www.stjohn.org.nz/volunteer

Proudly sponsored by Warkworth Rotary

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shop staff • goods sorters • garage sale teams • event helpers family supporters • maintenance man • caterers • tradespeople complimentary therapists • fundraisers • community groups • life story writers • office workers • rag cutters • lawn mower gardeners • craftspeople • advisory board • bakers • laundry lady

We couldn’t do it without you

VOLUNTEERS FEATURE

community heroes

The Warkworth RSA volunteer service is offering to deliver freshly prepared meals to the elderly during winter.RSA support services leader Joss Myers says winter can be a tough time for the elderly, especially if they are on their own.“If you know someone who finds it hard to get out of the house, or tough to make a nutritious hot meal every day, Gunners Restaurant is offering to prepare and deliver six meal options, which can be frozen and reheated, for $7 each,” she says.Joss says the service is offered to RSA members only.“Members can order a week’s worth

of meals over the phone which our support services volunteers will deliver to their home every Thursday morning.” Meal options include, roast pork, roast beef, apple and mint centred lamb rissoles, honey mustard chicken schnitzel, lamb shank, and steak and kidney casserole. All meals come with roasted vegetables and steamed greens. Members are eligible for other support services offered by the RSA such trips to the doctor or hospital as well as social trips in our support vans. Info: Joss Myers 425 5191 or Sherri Weinberg 422 2401.

RSA serves elderly hot meals