Mataura Community - CNT

The Mataura project was originally funded by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and whilst hours have been reduced local funders support this role to continue. Working to a community led development model the aim of this project is to support & coordinate the local Mataura community to achieve healthy, prosperous and positive outcomes. This varies from leading or assisting with local projects and new initiatives or providing support or advice to various community groups. Mataura was a finalist in the 2013 Community of the year awards for New Zealand and is very proud of the work achieved so far. Initiatives included over the past 4 years have included Leadership Incubator, multiple new social support groups, new childcare centre, after school childcare, new business, youth hub and many new events just to name a few. Also many local projects have been recognised nationally including NZ Community Garden of the Year & NZ Museum project of the year. This service is free of charge, and can be accessed by anyone. 

Mataura as a community achieved recent success in the 2015 Gore District Community Awards:

Community Impact Award Mataura Community Gardens and Mataura School Garden Group

NZ Governor General's Anzac of the Year award winner 2016, our very own Barbara Cunningham !

Introducing Ele Ranstead - Mataura Community Development Coordinator 

Eleanor Ranstead (otherwise known as Ele) - "Some of  you will know my husband John who is the Family Worker for the Mataura Presbyterian Church.  We have lived in Edendale almost 20 years now and have been involved in the Mataura Community for the past 10 years.  I am Mum to four teenagers, three of which attend Menzies College and my oldest has recently left home and is studying at SIT.  I am proud to have been a stay-at-home Mum since moving down this end of the country as well as being very involved in the Lower Mataura Valley doing volunteer work through the Presbyterian Church, Camp Columba, helping and supporting individuals and families in all sorts of life situations.  Over the past few years I have been based at The Bunker on Fridays during the day with the Mind Matters group and Al-Anon meetings.  So I come to the position with a background in mental & emotional well-being, suicide prevention as well as care and support for those who have had a suicide happen close to them, assistance with drug & alcohol dependency with young people, support for loved ones in some sort of a  relationship with an alcoholic, working with children, teenagers & young adults, and parents". 

 

I am now based in the Mataura office (the old public library) in McQueen Ave and aim to have it open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 9am – 1pm as well as alternating Monday and Saturday mornings.  Please do feel free to drop in during those hours.

 

I am also available by phone (03) 203 7083, cell phone 027 774 6588 or you can e-mail me at mcdc@cnt.org.nz