Community & Care: The Bay of Plenty’s Local Support Network

The Bay of Plenty is rich with a diverse range of community organizations dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. These groups, largely powered by volunteers and charitable trusts, cover a wide spectrum of needs, from social support and health to arts, culture, and environmental protection.

Here is a general list of some of the key community organizations and sectors in the Bay of Plenty:

Social and Family Support Services

These organizations provide essential assistance to individuals and families in need, covering areas like mental health, financial advice, and crisis support.

• The Salvation Army: Operates social service centers, food banks, and family support programs across the region, including in Tauranga, Rotorua, and Whakatāne.

• Family Works Northern (Presbyterian Support): Offers a wide range of services including counselling, social work, parenting programs, and financial mentoring. They have service centers in Tauranga, Rotorua, and Whakatāne.

• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): A go-to resource for free, confidential, and independent information on a vast range of topics, from legal issues to housing and consumer rights.

• Women’s Refuge: Provides a safe haven and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

• Homes of Hope: A charitable trust in Tauranga that provides a safe and therapeutic family environment for children who have been abused or neglected.

Health and Wellbeing

Focusing on physical and mental health, these groups provide support, education, and services to improve community wellbeing.

• Waipuna Hospice: Offers specialized palliative care and support services for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

• The Good Neighbour Charitable Trust: While known for food rescue, they also provide broader community support, including their “Good Gardens” program, to improve health and wellness through gardening.

• Age Concern: Advocates for the well-being of older people and provides services such as social outings, companionship, and information.

• Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: Provides a wide range of resources and support networks for mental health awareness and suicide prevention in communities.

Youth and Education

These organizations are dedicated to empowering young people and supporting their growth and development.

• Vector Group Charitable Trust: A Te Puke-based organization focused on youth mentorship and empowerment through collaborative programs.

• Graeme Dingle Foundation: Runs youth development programs like Kiwi Can and Project K in local schools to build confidence, life skills, and resilience.

• Boys & Girls’ Brigades: Offers a variety of programs for young people that focus on social, physical, and spiritual development in a fun and safe environment.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage

These groups enrich the community by fostering creativity, preserving local history, and celebrating diverse cultures.

• Creative Bay of Plenty: Serves as a regional hub, providing resources, connections, and advocacy for artists, cultural groups, and creative projects.

• Tauranga Arts Festival: A major biennial event that brings local and international artists to the city, celebrating music, theatre, comedy, and literature.

• Baycourt Community and Arts Centre: Tauranga’s premier performing arts venue that hosts a variety of local and national performances and events.

• The Historic Village (Tauranga): A unique community space that houses a variety of non-profits, creative studios, and retail shops, preserving a piece of local heritage.

Environmental and Conservation

These organizations are at the forefront of protecting and restoring the Bay of Plenty’s unique natural environment.

• Western Bay Wildlife Trust: Dedicated to protecting native seabirds and their habitats, including Little Blue Penguins, with a strong focus on community education and volunteer efforts.

• Bay Conservation Alliance: Supports and grows the capability of local conservation groups across the region, fostering large-scale environmental restoration projects.

• EnviroHub Bay of Plenty: A regional network that connects over 80 environmental and sustainable living groups, providing a hub for information, collaboration, and volunteering.

This list is just a snapshot, as the Bay of Plenty is home to a vast number of smaller, passionate groups, sports clubs, marae, and church organizations that all contribute to the fabric of our vibrant community.