Rebuilding a Garden | Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

Communications Officer • September 20, 2023

Member Spotlight!

Words & Imagery - Rob Gray Community Manager Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

On this beautiful sunny winter’s day here in the Waikato our Community Garden looks a picture of health and vitality. Newly created plots are already home to a range of leafy green vegetables that will support the health of our community. Appropriate pruning has seen more sunlight come into the space nurturing the life of fruit trees. Friday morning is a hive of activity as our volunteers come in, receiving the instructions from Michael, our garden coordinator. They love to work hard but at morning tea we’ll hear their laughter and their sheer enjoyment at being together. Friendships have been forged among people who were struggling with loneliness. It’s beautiful and a joy to be part of. 

Not long ago there was a different picture when you looked out at the garden. Covid restrictions had stemmed the flow of volunteers and the garden was languishing. An oxalis weed had taken hold and choked the vegetables. There were too many weeds, not enough light, no plan and no people. It was lifeless and we weren’t sure when life was coming back.

It’s good to remember how difficult it was. Covid-19 was frightening and for a long time we wondered if there would be any kind of normal again. We were the languishing garden. Joy and hope were being choked but, just like our garden, our collective response is what sets us free. By choosing to follow the restrictions, get the vaccines, wear our masks and limit our travels we diluted the impact of Covid-19 to the point where it doesn’t dominate our new normal. We did that. 


The garden is different to what it was before the pandemic. We’re taking it in a slightly different direction. We want to make it a food forest to help address issues like food insecurity. Education is still part of it, but the learning is more hands on. Different crops have been planted and the way we’ve done our beds is different. Our current volunteer team interact in a different way to the old team. It’s a new normal and it’s good. It’s a new normal that’s been created by a group of people getting out of their comfort zones, reaching out and finding a Community House with open doors. Life is different to 2019. The need for collective action is stronger than ever and that’s a good thing. We’re hard-wired for connection so let’s get connected and make the gardens of our lives thrive. 


Ngā mihi nui 

Rob Gray – Manager, Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House 

Share

A Response from CNA Chair Holly Snape: 1 Sector, 6 Parties Political Panel

By Community Networks • May 18, 2026
CNA Chair Holly Snape reflects on 1 Sector, 6 Parties, the first 2026 election-focused political panel created specifically for Aotearoa’s community and voluntary sector, highlighting key discussions, sector representation, and why community voices must be part of the election conversation.

Create Your Amazing Networking Election Event

By Community Networks • May 6, 2026
Kia ora koutou, Gather your team, pour a drink, and get ready for something a little different. This isn’t your average political panel. It’s a chance for Aotearoa’s community sector to tune in together, listen to the proposed direction, share ideas, and maybe even get a bit fired up about the future. Hosted by Community Networks Aotearoa, ‘1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond’ this live-streamed event brings politicians from across the spectrum into one (virtual) room to talk candidly about the realities facing charities, iwi organisations, and Not-for-Profits. With the next election on the horizon, what they say, and how they say it, matters. And the best part? You don’t have to watch it alone. Turn it into a mini event of your own. Set up a screen in the office, book out the community hall, or invite a few colleagues over. With drinks, nibbles, and ‘hellos’ kicking off from 4:30pm and the panel starting at 5:00pm, it’s perfectly timed to roll straight from work into something social and energising. Guided by political reporter Jehan Casinader, expect a lively, honest kōrero that goes beyond the usual talking points. He’s got the gumption, you bring the cynicism. As a CNA member it’s a great way to bring your organisation together to reconnect, network, and kōhumuhumu. It’s also a great way to remind your people why you’re our member and what they get from your membership with us. We’re always looking for great ways to help you provide excellent and meaningful support. Watching together adds a whole new layer. You’ll catch things you might miss on your own, spark conversations in the moment, and build a shared understanding of what’s ahead. It’s part watch party, part strategy session, with a side of healthy debate. Want to make it count? Try this: Make it a watch party: Bring shared kai (remember those dietary peeps too!), and a relaxed but curious vibe—think less lecture, more shared experience. Get ready to kōrero: Bring a pen and paper and make moments to react, question, or celebrate what you’re hearing. Capture the “aha” moments: Jot down ideas or quotes that hit home for your team; and what you might be able to put in your newsletter. Turn talk into action: After the stream, ask “So what do we do with this?” and pick one or two next steps. This is your chance to connect, reflect, and maybe even challenge what you think you know. So don’t just tune in, show up, together, and be part of the conversation shaping the road ahead. The election is closer than you think! Ngā mihi, Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

Burning for a Cause

By Community Networks • March 31, 2026
Burning for a Cause: A Totally Scientific Analysis of the NZ Not-for-Profit Sector’s Relationship with Increasingly Stupid Levels of Spice
More Articles