Katikati is at risk of losing of a vital advocate role – that helps the community’s most vulnerable – if funding is not secured for it.

Katikati Community Centre (KCC) had employed a community advocate since October 2020, born from people’s need for assistance during Covid lockdowns.

The role provides immediate, one-off support, advocacy and advice and connects people to services and community resources. The work involves dealing with government agencies and online services, crisis and accommodation support, counselling and foodbank referrals, job-seeker support and more.

The role is focused on ensuring that all community members, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalised, can access the services and support they need to thrive, said KCC general manager Nicky Austin.

“About 80% of cases just need a quick rescue,” said Austin. The entre initially financed the ‘community connector’ role from a Covid response fund via the Ministry of Social Development. “Initially, the role was to provide support for people trying to navigate self-isolation, particularly those living alone who had no-one else to turn to.”

MSD originally provided funding for two full-time equivalents and a part-time counsellor, said Austin.

When the MSD funding stream ran dry in September 2023, the counsellor’s contract ended – but due to demand KKC opted to keep the community advocate.

Increased need

By then locals knew the centre was the place to come if they were in need, said Austin. “So the people have just continued coming through the door and the rate has not stopped – if anything, it has increased with the economic climate we’re now in.”

The centre has funded the role through its reserves since September 2023, said Austin. “The reserves have now gone, so we’re faced with trying to raise enough money to keep the service running.”

The centre received funding for some of the cost of the role’s wage per week but it’s not enough, said Austin.

KCC business administrator Sally Goodyear said 13% of the centre’s total income is from grants and donations. “We’re already applying for grants just to keep the place running.”

Asked if the centre approached MSD after the Covid-19 funding cut, Goodyear said: “They made it very clear that that funding stream had been all utilised and was gone”.

The centre now needs $100,000 to keep the community advocate role, said Austin. Otherwise, it would finish August 31, 2026. If cut, Austin said: “We won’t have the capacity to support people in the way we have been”.

The $100,000 would provide a wage, administration costs and a $10,000 emergency fund.

The emergency fund would give people immediate fixes to help them access further support. For example, it could pay for a small fix on someone’s car so they can get to work and keep their job.

Sjaan Rounds, who has been the community advocate for the last three years, said “it’s hugely valuable”. “There are so many vulnerable in our community that don’t really have any other option. We’re really isolated here and it means people have to go to Tauranga to get the support they need, which is just not possible for many.”

Another missing link

Rounds found people now know to come to the centre for help.” “If they don’t have that, it will mean more will be struggling. Losing this role is huge. We’re such a great community – but without this service it’s just another missing link. It’s just sad – because to be a strong community, if you want to go ahead you can only go as fast as the people at the back.”

Centre figures show Rounds helped 344 families in 2024. “Plus, she’s involved in many of our other projects as part of her role,” said Goodyear.

More 2024 statistics show Rounds helped with: $18,609.83 of discretionary funding spent on immediate needs, 1445 breakfasts, 25 clients received counselling, 220 RSE workers welcomed to Katikati, 26 students helped with back-to-school costs, 128 gifts distributed to children at Christmas, 40 Christmas grocery boxes distributed, 20 Total Mobility & Accessibility Concession assessments, 300 beanies knitted by community for RSE workers, 85 Super Support meals given to elderly, and 306 Kura Kai frozen meals given to families.

Goodyear said Rounds would help anyone in any immediate situation. “She’s non-judgmental, warm but firm, and she’ll do her best.”

Elderly struggling

Austin said many enquiries come from Katikati’s senior population. “Many don’t realise our elderly are really struggling.”

For example, an older man was left bewildered when his wife went into care. He’d never cooked and or managed household tasks. “Sjaan worked alongside him to connect him with services,” said Austin. “Most work is connecting people with services they require.”

Another elderly man drove to a Tauranga bank to change his credit card only to return home and find he still couldn’t use his online accounts. With bill payments linked to the old card he’d received late payment notices. “Sjaan called the bank, utility providers and showed him how to use online banking independently,” said Austin.

More work involves helping people with government departments. “Sjaan finds if she sits in with a client as an advocate, nine times of out of 10 the outcome is better than if the person went on their own,” said Goodyear.

English a second language

Being a multicultural community Rounds also worked with families for whom English is a second language. “Navigating forms, rules and regulations in New Zealand can be tough for these people.”

Rotarian John Bothwell said the community advocate, along with fellow KCC staff, are the go-to for help in Katikati. “They’re the hub of the wheel and everything else spins off them – without a solid hub they can’t do their job properly.”

Bothwell said funding had long been an issue for the centre, and service groups such as Rotary and Lions helped where they could.

Bothwell said the role had made a positive impact for years “and should continue to do so.” He wanted a long-term funding solution found.

How to help

To donate, visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-the-helping-hand

Austin planned to approach local businesses for support too. “We have many benefits if a person or business wanted to sponsor the role.” To enquire, phone her on 021550409 or email: manager@katikaticommunity.nz

Goodyear said the community needed to know the centre is not fully funded by council. “It was built by the community for the community – that’s how we come about – and we want this to continue,” Goodyear said.