About us
Our two centres, Te Tūhunga Rau and Raukawa Community Centre, work to facilitate connections that promote social well-being.
From drop-in morning teas, craft groups, fitness classes and art lessons, the community centres host a vibrant range of services and events for everyone.
Our social services include rescued food distribution and visits from professionals like midwives, social workers and legal advisors.
The team
Fiona Prestidge
Manager
Fiona is delighted to be living and working in Strathmore Park. She came to the centres in mid-2019 after a long career with NZ Police.
Fiona's management and social policy experience help keep the centres humming, growing the partnerships with others and keeping us on a strong financial footing.
Get in touch with Fiona here.
Jennifer Mason
Programme Manager
Jennifer is a lifelong volunteer and community advocate with a passion for community building and social justice. She joined the team in November 2020 and is very excited to be a part of the Strathmore Park community. Jennifer loves to support and grow what is happening through the Community Centre.
Get in touch with Jennifer here.
Seraphina Sasa and Saraneta Alefaio
Kaimanaaki/Host, Raukawa Community Centre
These two women bring warmth, caring and practical know-how to their roles at the centre. Seraphina (right) works four days a week, and Saraneta (left) one day. You're welcome to call them Phina and Eta!
Get in touch with them here.
Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust
The two community centres are overseen by a charitable trust made up of six members:
Simon Bowden (chair), Terry Rakuraku, Rachel Healy, Brenda Wallace, Raewin Tipene-Clarke and Yared Kebede.
Some Māori advisers support the Trust through representing te ao Māori, and advising on kaupapa Māori as needed to support the operations of the centres.
The purpose, vision and values of the Trust was formed by the trustees and staff in 2021.
Purpose
Manaaki Tāngata: We provide opportunities for the people of Strathmore Park to connect, grow and thrive.
Vision
An enriched community
Values
Belonging and Whanaungatanga
- Welcoming with aroha and respect
- Building a sense of place for all
Useful
- Holding ourselves accountable—asking, “Is it helpful?”, “Is it the best we can do?”
- Using resources wisely and meaningfully
Together
- Connecting and collaborating
- Bringing people with us; dreaming, doing and celebrating together
Momentum
- Moving forward with energy and purpose
- Reaching and striving for better outcomes
Trust members meet five or more times a year. Read the Trust Deed and latest financial report here.
Our funders
Strathmore Park Community Centres rely on the support of funders and partners. Our core funder is Wellington City Council.
Holiday Programme
Thanks to the many people and organisations who expertly lead activities, provide funding or resources that enable us to run this fabulous programme.
Freshen Up
Thanks to the organisations who provide toiletries for our goody bags. Held on the last Friday before school goes back for a new term, we give out around 80 bags containing all that's needed to look good and feel fresh.
Weltec barbering students provide awesome free haircuts.
Service providers
We work with the following organisations to provide services and programmes at our centres:
Strathmore Park Community Action Coalition
Operating separately to the Strathmore Park Community Centres, the Community Action Coalition is made up of organisations and individuals with an ongoing commitment to our suburb, demonstrated through their mahi in and for this place. The coalition’s role is to provide strategic direction and leadership to support a community-led development approach in Strathmore Park.
Organisations represented on the coalition include Kahurangi School, the Strathmore Park Residents’ Association, Kahurangi Friends and the Strathmore Park Community Centres as well as other relevant parties.
The Coalition’s aims include:
- to develop the community’s strengths and assets
- to identify shared issues and opportunities to generate local solutions
- to develop an active citizenship that makes Strathmore Park a better place to live
Click here for the Coalition’s Terms of Reference.
Community priorities and conversations
Over the years, Strathmore Park residents have provided a range of ideas to develop their suburb through events and projects, many of which have come to fruition.
Members of the public who are currently looking to engage in community consultation in Strathmore Park are first encouraged to read this Summary of Consultation, Strathmore Park 2013 to 2019.
For more information about community action in Strathmore Park, please contact Fiona Prestidge.