“It Takes a Village”: The Power of Community Support in the Wake of Auckland Floods
Kia ora, dear readers!
The recent Auckland floods brought with them a deluge of challenges. Yet, amidst the adversity, the strength of our community shone through, reminding us of the old whakataukī, “It takes a village.”
As many of you know, Affirming Works has long been an advocate for the well-being of families within our community. For years, our efforts have been geared towards nurturing and upholding the mana of each whānau member. So when the floods hit, we knew our approach needed to be swift and profound.
We were blessed to attain the Awhi Emergency Response Fund, a crucial lifeline in these trying times. Rather than our previous approach – often restricted to phone calls – the funds granted us a tangible avenue to engage directly with the community. The significance of kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) interactions, especially during crises, cannot be overstated.
Utilising these resources, we embarked on a mission to fortify community bonds. A beautifully crafted pamphlet, championing the essence of whanaungatanga, soon made its way to households, urging them to establish stronger connections and support networks.
Our proudest moment came on April 22nd with the street BBQ at Hinau Road. The morning may have been rain-soaked, but under our marquee, the atmosphere was electrifying. It was a heartwarming hui, an avenue for community members to share their tales, experiences, and aspirations. Coupled with this, we distributed much-needed items, generously donated by kind-hearted souls within and beyond our community.
And here, a special mention must be made for the SkyCity Auckland Community Trust. Their unwavering support enabled our food truck to roll out, offering wholesome kai and beverages to the community. It created an environment far removed from the rigours of the cleanup – a space for sharing, healing, and moving forward.
With the ‘It takes a village’ initiative, we’ve made considerable strides, achieving many of our set objectives. Yet, the road ahead remains long. Our focus is shifting, ensuring that our outcomes aren’t just immediate but sustainable.
The vision? To empower families to watch over each other, to keep the korero flowing, and to foster an environment of collective responsibility and care.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for October 7, 11 to 2pm. As the sun graces us with its warmth, we’re planning another street BBQ. We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with our community members and partnering service providers. Because at the heart of it all, we’re reminded: we aren’t in this journey alone. It truly does take a village.
Till then, kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Stay strong, be brave, and hold steadfast. We’ll get through this together.
Aroha nui,
