Neighbourhood Support Rotorua

08/10/2026

🏡 50 NEW HOMES – BUT HOW DO YOU BUILD A NEIGHBOURHOOD?

This week, Neighbourhood Support Rotorua was pleased to attend the blessing of the final 13 Kāinga Ora homes at the Ranolf Street and Malfroy Road development.

After five years, the development is complete, with 50 homes providing much-needed housing for Rotorua whānau, but building houses and building a neighbourhood are two very different things!

Imagine moving into a new development where almost everyone is a stranger. No established neighbourhood connections, no familiar faces, and everyone trying to find their feet.

Who makes the first move? How do neighbours get to know each other? And how do you create a place where people feel safe, connected and that they belong?

These are some of the challenges that come with bringing so many households together, but we've already seen a little neighbourhood magic happening! ❤️

Remember our recent post about how a little fry bread started a conversation between neighbours?

Well, that was Julie! And we were absolutely delighted when she offered to become a Neighbourhood Support Street Contact for the development.

Now that's what we love to see!

One person willing to reach out, make introductions and help bring neighbours together can make such a difference.

Of course, building trust and relationships takes time. You can't expect 50 households, with different backgrounds and experiences, to become a connected community overnight, but you have to start somewhere, and Julie has already shown us how simple that first step can be.

We're looking forward to working alongside Kāinga Ora and residents as this new neighbourhood grows, because the real success of a housing development isn't just about how many houses are built. It's about the community that grows between them.

💛 Neighbourhood Support Rotorua – Connecting neighbours, building stronger communities.

Tenants are due to move into the final 13 homes from next week.

07/10/2026

If a friend, neighbour or workmate was really struggling during an emergency, would you know what to say or do?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a NZ Red Cross Psychological First Aid course, and I came away with some really valuable skills that I can use both personally and in my role with Neighbourhood Support Rotorua.

Psychological First Aid isn’t counselling, and it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about knowing how to:
👀 LOOK – recognise when someone may be struggling
👂 LISTEN – check in, listen and respond
🤝 LINK – help connect someone with the right support.

A big thank you to Rotorua Lakes Council for making a place available for me on the course, and to our NZ Red Cross facilitator for such a practical and valuable day.

For us at Neighbourhood Support Rotorua, this is also part of building our understanding of what it really means to be prepared for an emergency. We talk a lot about having a grab bag, water, torches, medication and the practical things we might need, but preparedness is also about people.

You might have your grab bag ready — but do we know how to look after each other, and ourselves, mentally when something difficult happens?

Sometimes the first thing someone needs is simply a calm person who notices, listens and knows where to turn next.
These are skills I know I’ll take with me into both my personal life and the work we are doing with Neighbourhood Support Rotorua, because being prepared is not just about what we have ready. It’s also about how we look after each other when it really matters. 🧡

05/10/2026

Sometimes it starts with something as simple as fry bread ❤️

Today we were invited along to the opening of the new Kāinga Ora homes on the corner of Ranolf Street and Malfroy Road.

While we were there, we met an established resident who lives across the road. When we talked to her about Neighbourhood Support, she didn’t hesitate to put her hand up to become the Street Contact for the area, and then we discovered her special skill — apparently she makes pretty famous fry bread!

While we were with her, a neighbour from the complex beside her came over asking about this famous fry bread he had heard about.

They didn’t know each other.
A few minutes later, they did.

Then I thought — there it is. That’s what Neighbourhood Support is really about. Not complicated programmes. Not expecting everyone to become best friends. Just finding those little reasons to say hello, learn someone’s name and make a connection with the people living around you.

Today it happened over fry bread.

Who knows where that connection goes from here?

Welcome to the new residents on the corner of Ranolf Street and Malroy Road, a big thank you to our newest Street Contact for putting her hand up, and to Jeff for making sure the Neighbourhood Support signs are already in place.

Neighbourhoods don’t become communities because houses are built beside each other. They become communities when people start connecting.

02/10/2026

I’m away in Wellington, but Neighbourhood Support Rotorua is in good hands! 💙

Our Deputy Chair / Communications Manager Ruth and Treasurer Margaret are at the Age Concern Positive Ageing Expo, chatting with people and promoting all things Neighbourhood Support.

Knowing your neighbours, looking out for one another and being better prepared—there’s plenty to talk about! Sometimes it starts with a friendly hello and knowing there’s someone nearby you can call on.

Thanks, Ruth and Margaret, for flying the Neighbourhood Support Rotorua flag while I’m away. Lovely to see you busy connecting with our community! 😊

01/10/2026

Anyone fancy a cuppa and a chat?

I do like this idea! Columbus Coffee at Mitre 10 Mega Rotorua has joined the Chatty Café Scheme, with a Chatty Table where anyone can sit down and enjoy some company. 💛

No booking, no pressure, and you don’t need to bring someone with you. Just pull up a chair and say hello.

Some days we can go ages without having a proper conversation. A friendly face and a bit of a natter can make all the difference, whatever our age.

At Neighbourhood Support Rotorua, we’re all about helping people feel connected. Sometimes that starts with something as simple as sharing a table.

🙋 Enjoy a good chat yourself? They’re also looking for volunteer hosts who can spare an hour or so each week or fortnight to welcome people and keep the conversation going.

Find out more or put your hand up here:
https://www.chattycafe.co.nz/sign-up-as-a-volunteer/

Know someone who might enjoy this? Give them a call—or go along together. ☕

If you’d like to help break the ice at your local café and be a Chatty Café Scheme volunteer, please complete the form and we’ll be in touch.

01/10/2026

A heads-up, Rotorua—four road rules changed today!

Whether we’re driving, cycling or heading out for a walk, there are a few changes to get familiar with:

🚲 Leave at least 1.5 metres when passing
Drivers must allow this gap when passing cyclists, walkers or horse riders travelling in the same direction, in the same lane. Can’t pass safely? Slow down and wait.

👨‍👧 Children can cycle on footpaths
Children aged 12 and under can now ride bikes on footpaths, with parents or caregivers allowed to ride alongside to supervise. Let’s keep an eye out for people walking, too.

🛴 E-scooters can use cycle lanes
This applies to e-scooters that aren’t classed as motor vehicles.

🚌 Give way to buses
On roads with speed limits of 60km/h or less, drivers must give way to buses leaving a stop, the roadside or a bus lane. Bus drivers must indicate for at least three seconds before moving.

A little patience and a bit of space can make everyone’s journey safer. Those people sharing the road with us are someone’s family, friends and neighbours. 💛

Please pass this on—a handy heads-up for someone who hasn’t heard yet!

Full details from NZTA:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driving-skills/new-lane-use-rules

30/09/2026

🎒 OCTOBER THEME: PREPARE FOR ANYTHING

This month, Neighbourhood Support’s national theme is Prepare for Anything — and a really practical place to start is with a Grab & Go Bag.

You don’t need to rush out and buy everything at once. Grab a backpack and start with what you already have at home.

💧 FOOD & WATER
• Drinking water
• Water purification tablets
• Easy snacks – muesli bars, crackers, tuna etc.
• Can opener if needed

🩹 FIRST AID & MEDICATION
• First aid kit
• Your regular medication
• Face masks
• Hand sanitiser
• Wipes

🔦 EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
• Torch
• Spare batteries
• Portable radio
• Work gloves
• Emergency blanket

🔋 USEFUL EXTRAS
• Power bank/phone charger
• Notebook and pen
• Large rubbish bags
• Toilet paper
• Duct tape
• Multi-tool/Swiss knife
• Personal hygiene items

🧥 FOR YOU
• Warm clothing and hat
• Raincoat or poncho
• Sturdy footwear
• Copies of important documents/photo ID
• Emergency contact numbers
• A little cash

👶 GOT CHILDREN?
Add nappies, wipes, formula or baby food, spare clothes, medication, a warm blanket and perhaps a favourite teddy, toy or book.

🐶 AND DON'T FORGET THE PETS
Think pet food, water, bowl, lead/collar, medication, warm blanket and a carry cage if needed.

One good tip — put your name on the bag and write down the date you last checked it. Food expires, batteries go flat, children grow and medications change.

You may never need it — hopefully you won’t.

But if you ever do need to leave home quickly, having some basics ready is one less thing to think about.

Prepare for Anything doesn’t mean preparing for everything in one day. It just means starting somewhere.

Maybe this weekend’s job is simply finding the backpack. 😊

28/09/2026

💙 Police Remembrance Day – 29 September

Today we pause to remember the New Zealand Police officers who have died in the line of duty, or as a result of their duties.

Police Remembrance Day is also a time to acknowledge serving, retired and former Police staff who have passed away during the past year.

For Neighbourhood Support Rotorua, our relationship with Police is an important one. We see only a small part of what our local officers deal with every day, and today is a reminder that behind the uniform are people, families and colleagues.

The Huia feather Police Remembrance pin is the symbol of Police Remembrance Day. Donations from the pins support the Police Families Charitable Trust and help families of officers who have died in the line of duty or as a result of their duties.

A national service will be held at the Royal New Zealand Police College and livestreamed at 11am on the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Police Museum pages.

Today, we simply say thank you for your service, and we remember those who did not come home. 💙

10/05/2026

💙 Supporting Our Young People — And Acknowledging Our Mums This Mother’s Day 💙

At last weekend’s Marae to Marae event, something stood out more than the running, the competition, or even the crowds.

It was our young people.

One young man partnering with my daughter was polite, respectful, encouraging, and simply a really good human being. The kind of rangatahi that reminds you there is a lot to feel hopeful about.

Sometimes it can feel like we only hear the negative stories about youth, but there are so many young people quietly doing good things — supporting others, showing respect, helping their communities, and growing into fine young adults.

Supporting our young people is not just the role of parents or schools. It belongs to all of us as a community.

And today, on Mother’s Day, it also feels important to acknowledge our Mums, Grandmothers, Aunties, and the many women helping guide and support our young people every single day.

The sideline cheering.
The listening.
The worrying.
The taxi driving.
The encouragement.
The unconditional love.

So much of what holds communities together happens quietly in homes, behind the scenes, and often without recognition.

To all the Mums and mother figures in our communities — thank you. 💙

At Neighbourhood Support Rotorua we believe strong communities are built when people feel connected, supported, and valued — especially our young people.

Happy Mother’s Day to all those supporting the next generation. 🌸