Rotary Neighbourhood Project gets the community together for an even better Canterbury

Sydenham School tree huts

The Rotary Neighbourhood Project Fund has been established to support locally initiated projects that contribute towards improving wellbeing and building resilient communities and neighbourhoods.  

It is important to assist communities in the post-earthquake recovery period so this project promotes relationships between community groups and their local Rotary clubs in Canterbury, NZ that can endure well beyond the life span of the project.

The project fund has been supported and promoted by Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).

The core focus is supporting ‘grass-root’ initiatives to encourage individuals to do something constructive in, and beneficial to, their community. The fundamental values of the project are:

•   Recognising that communities have strengths and assets

•   Engaging communities and/or connecting people to people

•   Strengthening community leadership

•   Doing things differently

•   Supporting parents, young children and families

•   Utilising community assets

•   Community-led recovery

The Neighbourhood Project is “not just about signing cheques”.  A Rotary club is linked with each project, whose members then work with the applicants to find out what they need and how they can help. This unique method assists Rotary clubs to become more engaged in their local communities, but also assists community groups to establish an on-going relationship with their local Rotary club.

The initial funding came from international and national Rotary districts. 

Applicants can apply for up to $500 for small neighbourhood events and up to $4,000 for larger community events.

The Rotary Neighbourhood Project Charitable Trust is a registered charity (CC49664) that was set up in April 2013 and has since donated $82,000 towards 90 diverse projects.  These range from Sydenham Preschool tree huts and Wainoni School breakfast club to the Birthright winter camp and Lyttleton street art.     

For more information visit www.rotaryneighbourhood.org.nz.  Any Rotary clubs that are able to support this worthwhile project can contact Jenny George via jenny.george@assurehealth.co.nz / +64 21 270 9651.

Library to Go – New Mobile Libraries

In a New Zealand first, Christchurch City Libraries will introduce two additions to their line-up of libraries – Mobile Library, a pair of specially-equipped vans that will provide a portable social, recreational and learning space from Monday 3 December.

The vans – each fully kitted-out to deliver familiar library services such as books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and free Wi-Fi – will help fill the gap left in library services after the earthquakes lead to the closure of Bishopdale, Central, Linwood, South and Sumner Libraries. A trailer able to transport additional furniture and equipment will be also available for special events and programmes.

Operating on a weekly schedule that sees them visiting a range of hand-picked locations across the city, Mobile Library will be launched in the New Brighton Christmas Parade on Saturday 1 December and will be in service from Monday 3 December.

Rotary New Zealand sought and received funding for this project after identifying a need in post-quake Christchurch for the more flexible library services the vans provide. One van is funded by Rotary International, and the other through a partnership with Rotary and the Cotton On Foundation.

With the existing Mobile Library bus marking its final day of service on Sunday 25 November, Libraries and Information Unit Manager Carolyn Robertson says the donation is a timely and welcome addition to the library fleet.

“Since the earthquakes, the existing Mobile Library bus has been unable to reach certain parts of Christchurch because of its size. One of the advantages of the new, smaller mobile library vans is their ability to visit these places.

“We’re looking at solutions for getting our closed libraries back on-line, but the introduction of Mobile Library will definitely take some of the sting out of their loss. These vans aren’t a stop-gap measure – they’re attractive, they’re novel, they’re stacked with features and we’re intending for them to have a long life. They’ll be new favourites for a lot of people.”

Mayor Bob Parker says Mobile Library is a huge step towards reducing isolation in certain communities.

“Libraries frequently take on a role as the heart of the community, and to have even one closed is a tangible loss. Mobile Library will work as a band-aid of sorts, increasing participation and delivering a world of knowledge. Christchurch is hugely grateful to Rotary and Cotton On for this incredible gift.”

For a schedule of the mobile vans’ stops, please visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Mobiles

Media Advisory

Media are invited to attend the launch of the Library Mobile on Saturday 1 December, and to explore the vans and interview key figures from Christchurch City Council, Rotary New Zealand and Cotton On Foundation.
From 11.30am
Saturday 1 December
Outside New Brighton Library