​Nga Putangitangi was held for the 22nd time, and still the talent and passion never fails to amaze us! Some of our staff had the privilege of attending and watching some talented children perform and celebrate kapa haka at ILT Stadium Southland. Nga Putangitangi is a huge event involving several schools from across the region. Teina Wilmshurst, of our Aukati Kaipaipa Smoking Cessation programme, and Raeana Davis, of our Toi Toi Maori Art & Gift Shop, were there manning the stalls! 

​The Murihiku Maori Wardens won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Community Awards recently and we couldn’t be happier for them! The award shows the dedication and commitment the wardens put into the community.
Maori wardens have tons of roles in the community from patrolling the CBD in the weekend, to directing traffic during events and helping manage crowds. The wardens received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500 prize money. They also have the opportunity to represent the district at the 2015 Trustpower National Community Awards in Dunedin in March.
The Invercargill City Council website quoted Trustpower Community Relations Representative Arielle Monk saying it was heartening to see a Maori organization win the top award.
“We’re really stoked for the Murihiku whanau because often Maori wardens fly under the radar and work away quietly in the background and this award is so representative of what wardens do right across Aotearoa.” The Murihiku Maori Wardens provide an opportunity for Maori to be part of a nationally recognized organization and enhance the capability of Maori in the community.

Trevor Tomlins Building builder Dean Hartmann works on the new GP clinics.
Below: One of the completed clinics.

He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre has extended to include an additional three clinics! That brings our total to six. Tracey Wright-Tawha says the expansion is another expression of the agency's commitment to low-cost quality health care access.

New Zealand’s longest running festival has marked the arrival of spring for more than 50 years. The first was born out of community spirit and recognition of the special character of Alexandra. This year, our own lovely Sandra Stiles attended the event, and met with some members of the Redeemed Motorcycle
Ministry! Sandra had a great time attending  the festival and was especially excited to see the mobile scooter/kaumatua taking part in the parade, as well as some of the
 decorative wheelchairs and scooters! “It  was beautiful … showcasing disability does  not hold these people back.”

From September 1 Nga Kete in partnership with ILT Eastern Suburbs Tavern will be promoting problem gambling information with local and national support services at the gaming venue throughout the month of September. The community focused initiative is supported by the Eastern Suburbs Tavern who provided a free bag of choice not Chance promotion resources to every individual that entered the gaming lounge throughout Gamblefree Day.