Stronger Waitaki

15/09/2026

We love this from our friends at the Forrester Gallery! Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is a perfect time to learn and practice the names of our favourite places here in Waitaki. Give it a go whānau 🖤🤍 ❤

24/08/2026

If you see the White Ribbon Riders around Waitaki this Friday, give them a wave 🏍️🤍

In partnership with Ōamaru Police and Stronger Waitaki, the riders will be visiting Waitaki Boys' High School, Waitaki Girls' High School and East Otago High School to talk with students about respectful relationships, personal safety, and where to get help when it's needed.

The White Ribbon Ride reminds us that creating a safe and respectful Waitaki starts with everyday conversations about healthy relationships, looking out for one another, and speaking up against violence.

Show you're against violence towards women

19/08/2026

Fundraising for Dunk it for Plunket comes with its own rewards - here's how it works:

🍪 Raise $30 → your Dunk Kit is unlocked
🎨 Raise $250 → a Biscuits of Aotearoa tea towel is yours
☕ Raise $500 → you'll receive an exclusive Dunk it for Plunket mug
🏆 Raise $1,000 → join the Devoted Dunkers VIP club and receive a Dunk it for Plunket apron & special VIP recognition

We also have a FREE Digital Dunk Kit to help you plan your fundraiser and spread the word.

However you dunk it, you will make such a difference. Every dollar helps Plunket stay right there for whānau across Aotearoa.

Sign up today at dunkitforplunket.nz.

06/08/2026

If you're supporting a family member, partner, friend or whānau member who is in active addiction to m**hamphetamine, you don't have to navigate that journey alone.

The Waitaki Whānau M**h Support Group provides a confidential space to connect with others who understand, learn practical strategies, hear from guest speakers, and focus on your own wellbeing.

Check out the comments for upcoming topics and speakers.

If this sounds like som**hing you or someone you know could benefit from, please reach out or come along.

For more information, contact Tracey at [email protected].

03/08/2026

Last week, thanks to support from Network Waitaki, some of our Stronger Waitaki members came together for a Healthy Homes and Energy Hardship workshop facilitated by David Pierce from Sustainability Trust.

The workshop provided practical information, resources, and tools to help participants identify healthy homes issues and have informed conversations about home heating, energy costs, and the support available to households and whānau across the district.

Thank you also to Otago Housing Alliance/Cosy Homes Trust and Otago - Fire and Emergency for sharing their expertise on the Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme and fire safety.

We appreciate Network Waitaki's support in making this opportunity possible.

30/06/2026

Come and celebrate Matariki with us. Everyone is welcome, and we're excited to see you there. Bright and early, and absolutely worth it ✨

Karanga mai ngā kainoho o te Waitaki! Nai piki mai nau kake mai ki te hautapu o tēnei tau hou Māori. E noho piri tata ana a Tamanuiterā ki tona hoa a Hinetakurua nōnāia tonu nei. Kua tae te wā.

Welcome to all people of the Waitaki.

Te Hā o Maru in partnership with the WDC are privileged to facilitate this year's hautapu to mark the Māori new year, the rising of the Matariki star cluster. Followed by a Matariki breakfast carefully designed around the 4 food stars of Matariki.

Throw on ya winter wooleys, rug up, and we'll see ya there.

Details in the poster below.

24/06/2026

A great talk on at the Ōamaru Library tonight!

We love it when a local writes a book !

Don’t forget about our Author talk next Thursday. Brad Poulter grew up in Oamaru and served nearly 20 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy before moving into professional conduct and culture work within the New Zealand Defence Force.

You won't want to miss this, it promises to be a fascinating talk.

28/05/2026

Tonight’s the night team!

No need to RSVP, just head down to Oamaru Pacific Island Trust on Ribble Street ⭐️

25/05/2026

Final reminder - M**h harm kōrero in Ōamaru this Thursday!

We’ve got two opportunities this week to hear from Peter Thorburn (MESS NZ), who will be in Ōamaru leading open, honest conversations about m**h and its impacts.

Details for both sessions:
📅 Thursday 28 May
📍 Ōamaru Pacific Island Trust, 22 Ribble Street
💲 Free

For young people (16–20 years)
A space for real talk about m**h, what it can do to you and the people around you, and to ask the questions that don’t always get answered properly. No judgement, just straight conversation.
🕓 4.00–5.30pm
🍪 Afternoon tea provided

For the wider community
An honest, evidence-based kōrero about m**hamphetamine and its impacts, with time for open discussion in a community-led, agency-free environment. A chance to better understand what m**h is, how it affects people and communities, and to hear clear, practical insights.
🕖 7.00–8.30pm
🥣 Light supper provided

Everyone is welcome. Please share with your networks and bring someone along!

21/05/2026

Community kōrero about m**h harm – coming up next week.

Peter Thorburn (MESS NZ) will be in Ōamaru next week for an open conversation about m**h and its impacts.

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to respond or support someone, this is a chance to hear practical, grounded insights in a no-pressure space.

🕖 7.00–8.30pm
📅 Thursday 28 May
📍 Ōamaru Pacific Island Trust
💲 Free
🥣 Light supper provided