Wednesday July 13, 2016
11
Community Centres in your neighbourhood Over the coming weeks, the Independent Herald will be profiling each community centre in Wellington's Northern and Western Suburbs. This week we had a chat to Christoph Zintl and Kaye Jervis from the Karori Community Centre on the suburb's main street. Christoph Zintl and Kaye Jervis stand proudly outside Karori Community Centre. By Eleanor Wenman MASSEY JOURNALISM STUDENT
Karori Community Centre has its sights set on becoming a hub for youths in the community. Community and Youth Development worker Christoph Zintl said that is already a key point of difference for the centre and one they would continue to develop. “We have youth workers that help out and engage with young people wherever they're at,” he
said. A youth drop-in centre runs three times a week - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – from 3pm to 6pm. Youths aged 11-18 are welcome. Christoph said these afterschool sessions were usually unstructured but he also ran more structured events, often on Fridays. Activities such as movie nights and sushi making have been on the agenda for these Friday af-
ternoons and Christoph planned to continue with these events in the future. Karori Community Centre offers many other services too. Community administration coordinator Kaye Jervis said rooms for hire have been in high demand recently. “We're picking up on the weekends for family gatherings,” she said. Parties, memorial services and receptions have all been held in
the centre's rooms. There are two large spaces that could be hired out, as well as several smaller ones. A range of classes for other age groups are also available at the centre, ranging from ShaolinKung Fu to Mahjong. A toy library, an op-shop and a Citizen's Advice Bureau branch are all located on site as well. Christoph said he and Kaye look at the heart behind the centre. “You've got this hub, this kind
of community space where people can have a chance to try new ideas, to have receptions, to meet, to not be lonely,” he said. To find out more about Karori Youth Centre, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/karoriyouthcentre For Karori Community Centre visit www.facebook.com/karoricomcnt
The new team: Grant Stephen, President, David Rayner, Chairman, Ben Sigmund, Fully Committed People Development and Helen Mallon, Club Manager PHOTO: Bella Photography
Exciting changes afoot By Rachel Binning
North Wellington Association Football Club (AFC) has gladly signed on football great Ben Sigmund. After hanging up his professional football boots the well-regarded All Whites (2000– 14) and Wellington Phoenix (2008–15) player was welcomed into the club’s newly formed position of Football Development Manager. Paparangi-based Ben said “I am very much looking forward to working with the local community and helping to shape people’s future.” Ben and the local senior club have joined forces to provide a unique blend of football and personal development opportunities for footballers in the western and northern suburbs. In conjunction with his Fully Committed People Development programme Ben aimed to help local young footballers enjoy and improve their football experience while helping them plan for the challenges in life
outside of sport. North Wellington Club Chairman David Rayner said “we see the chance to work with Ben and provide some value added opportunities for young people as a real positive for everyone involved in the [Northern Hills] Pathway organisation.” The Pathway organisation is made up of North Wellington, Onslow and North Wellington junior football clubs and Newlands and Onslow Colleges who work together to support a positive football experience. They also encourage players to stay in the game and to enjoy football from age three to masters. It was hoped Ben would progress his onfield involvement with North Wellington’s Premier team in 2017. The local community can expect to see Ben jumping into action when he takes up his new position within the club this month. For more information on the club’s activities go to: www.northwellingtonfootball. com
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