This is an extract from the May 2024 e-Newsletter

The Mobile Community Hub is made possible with Department of Internal Affairs funding and has been collaboratively designed by community partners including Oxford Community Trust, Social Services Waimakariri, P2P Help Trust, Waiora Links Trust, Hope Trust, and NZ Police.

Council Community Team Manager Tessa Sturley said the van will be particularly valuable as communities evolve and respond to the challenges presented in the post-Covid environment. It can also allow on-site crisis response.

“For example, where a particular community might have a number of job losses – coffee and counsellors would be able to appear, along with resources and support around job seeking.”

Tessa said the Mobile Community Hub will allow non-for-profit organisations, social service providers and government agencies to reach people where they are, when they need it.

The van was customised by Cruzar Custom Campervans in Ohoka and is equipped with hot and cold water, sink, fridge and freezer, as well as a BBQ, shower, and awning.

Bench seating with in-built storage allows different groups to load up the van with their own resources, depending on the event or community that they are traveling to.

Rangiora police officer Don Munro, who helped with the van’s design, said it will appeal to remote and immobile communities by bringing a sense of belonging to their doorstep.

“Communities who may be isolated or unable to travel can tap into support, guidance, help and assistance by meeting with community agencies to assist with day-to-day family and personal hurdles.”

Don expects to see it used as a hub for budgeting advice, online safety and security awareness, relationship counselling, job seeking and career advice, as well as elderly and youth education.

Oxford Community Trust Coordinator Jo Ealam said the vision for Waimakariri to have its own outreach vehicle had been around since the Canterbury earthquakes and later after the Covid-19 lockdowns. She said its uses will be widely varied.

“From education purposes of current resources to onsite farm visits for newcomers and migrants to our area, as well as support for an area with unemployment.

“The benefits I hope will be to lessen isolation, remove any barriers to access services, and mobilise into any area quickly in emergency times.”

The Mobile Community Hub can be hired for a small fee through any Council service centre.