Understanding the aspirations, challenges and opportunities within the communities it serves is an important part of Community Trust South's work.
While governance and grant-making remain at the heart of the Trust's role, so too does taking the time to get out into communities, build relationships and hear directly from the people doing the work on the ground.
To strengthen these connections, the Trust regularly holds Board meetings throughout its rohe. Alongside governance responsibilities, these visits provide valuable opportunities for trustees and staff to spend time in local communities and host informal round-table discussions with community representatives. These conversations allow the Trust to gain a deeper understanding of local priorities while giving community members the chance to learn more about the Trust and how it supports communities to thrive.
Earlier this year in July, Community Trust South trustees and staff travelled to Wyndham, where they met with a range of community leaders and volunteers whose passion and commitment are helping shape the future of their community.
Trustees heard about the changing demographics of the schooling communities, and the desire to embrace Māori worldviews within these. Environmental stewardship was a key theme raised by members at the meeting, which the specialness of the place and environment to those in the area evident.
Trustees congratulated Wyndham Rugby Club on their recent 125th year jubilee and heard of plans to carry out a significant redevelopment of the club, creating a more modern and versatile community hub that will not only support rugby but also provide space for dance groups, football clubs and a range of other community activities.
For Community Trust South, visits such as these provide invaluable insight into the realities of community life. They help trustees and staff better understand the opportunities communities are pursuing, the challenges they are navigating and the context in which funding applications are developed and delivered.
Perhaps most importantly, they recognise and celebrate the incredible mahi being undertaken by local people every day. By sitting around the table, listening to stories and sharing conversations, the Trust strengthens relationships and reinforces its commitment to being approachable, accessible and connected to the communities it serves.
In Wyndham, as in communities across the south, it was clear that the strength of the region lies in the passion, leadership and dedication of its people.
