Founded in 2006 to support and promote the wellbeing of the communities around Pupukemoana; the Takapuna North Community Trust supports community development in the Northern suburbs of Devonport Takapuna Local Board; from Hauraki Corner to Sunnynook. We employ four permanent part-time staff to deliver a range of community events and programmes and to coordinate the local pest eradication and resto
ration programme, Pupuke Birdsong Project. Our range of programmes and events include (but aren’t limited to):
SUMMER AND WINTER FUN: This is our longest running community engagement programme and offers free preschool play in our local parks (or indoor venues over winter) twice a week. This programme is a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect to make new friends. THE ACTIVE AGEING EXPO event brings together around 40 stalls from local older adult-led community groups and clubs who are keen to gain new members and sees around 700 visitors who come to learn more about what’s available to them in the local area. The first event happened in 2017 when a local mother posted on Facebook about her awful experience of being told by other parents at Takapuna Playground that her son with cerebral palsy was too scary to be there. There was a great outpouring of community support and we decided to hold an inclusive play date for Charlie, to celebrate diversity, at the playground which has been really well attended each year. INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE: brings students from our five local high schools together older adults to discuss local issues and to try to resolve them through community led activities. THE YOUNG DESIGNERS AND CREATOR’S MARKET: is a youth led event which came about as a result of Intergenerational Dialogue and is aimed at encouraging connection through creativity. Two youth markets have been held at Smales Farm with around 30 stall holders at each. SUSTAINABLE LIVING WORKSHOPS are offered both online and in person which enable us to continue with a level of programme provision during lockdowns. These workshops include Growing food in small spaces which is tailored for our growing apartment community as well as workshops teaching composting; avoiding food waste; backyard chicken keeping and waste free parenting. PUPUKE BIRDSONG PROJECT is a community-led initiative, umbrellaed by Takapuna North Community Trust, that aims to bring together, support and grow the network of volunteer groups, individuals, schools and organisations working to eradicate pests, help improve water quality and restore our local native habitats in the Northern suburbs of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area. The Trust employs the Environmental Coordinator and oversees the funding and operational support of the project. In addition to our events and environmental activities, the Trust offers opportunities for community networking and information sharing; we act as umbrella funders for groups without the necessary charitable status; we advocate for local community groups and provide community event support.
