Keeping the doors open to support the local community is a top priority for the team at RaWiri Community House.
Run under the umbrella of the RaWiri Residents Association, the community house is a lifeline for many in the Wiri and Rata Vine areas, offering everything from food parcels for families that need support to community programmes delivering sewing and weaving classes and courses to help people get their driver’s licence. On top of that, the house is a welcoming place where people can drop by anytime for a cup of tea and some friendly kōrero.
Community House Manager Liz Kiriona was one of the co-founders of the residents association, teaming up with Lynne Mehana. Tired of their neighbour being overrun by gangs and crime, these two gutsy women were determined to clean up Rata Vine. And many years later, Liz is still devoted to caring for her community.
“Liz is a no-nonsense personality who takes her role very seriously,” says Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green.
“She is completely in touch with the needs of her community and will explore all avenues to find ways to help. She gives her all to the local area and tackles every issue head-on.
“Liz makes sure that all the volunteers and organisations that support the community house are in it for the right reasons, and she only starts initiatives if she knows they can be delivered properly because she never wants to let anyone down. Sometimes she might come across as quite direct, but beneath that there is so much love and care for the community and the people in it.”
Wiri Licensing Trust is proud to be able to support the mahi being done at the house by Liz and her team of dedicated volunteers.
As well as providing funds towards administration costs to keep the house running, the Trust has supported the association’s applications to Trillian Trust for funds to cover operational costs. A grant from Trillian last year helped the group upgrade their security cameras to better protect the community house, the people and its contents.
The Manurewa Local Board also supports the community house, providing a contribution during its most recent funding round.
For Kim Green, it’s been a pleasure to help the RaWiri Community House and she wishes to remain connected to the team at this house for a long time yet.
Her efforts were acknowledged with the gift of a beautiful korowai, woven by Nadine during one of the community house programmes.
“I hope the funding will allow Liz to sleep a bit easier at night, knowing that there are people and organisations that see and appreciate the work that she and so many others do for the community and are willing to contribute to ensure that work continues.”
