Katikati Community Centre's advocate role at risk without funding

A vital community advocate position based at the Katikati Community Centre (KCC) is in danger of being cut unless $100,000 in funding can be secured. The role, which has operated since October 2020 — initially funded through a Ministry of Social Development Covid response fund — provides one-off support, advocacy, advice, and connections to services for some of the community's most vulnerable people.

KCC general manager Nicky Austin said roughly 80 percent of cases simply need a quick rescue, whether that means help navigating government departments, accessing online banking, crisis accommodation, food bank referrals, or job-seeker support. When the MSD funding dried up in September 2023, the centre drew on its own reserves to keep the role going — but those reserves are now exhausted. Without fresh funding, the position would finish on 31 August 2026. Austin said losing it would leave a serious gap: "We won't have the capacity to support people in the way we have been."

Sjaan Rounds, who has held the advocate role for three years, helped 344 families in 2024 alone. KCC figures show her work in that year also included distributing 1,445 breakfasts, welcoming 220 RSE workers to Katikati, assisting 26 students with back-to-school costs, and distributing 128 Christmas gifts to tamariki. Rochelle Morrow is set to take over the role from Rounds. Rotarian John Bothwell described the KCC team as "the hub of the wheel" for the whole community, and called for a long-term funding solution to be found.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit the Givealittle page at givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-the-helping-hand. Local businesses interested in sponsoring the role can contact Austin on 021 550 409 or at manager@katikaticommunity.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).