It’s nearly the end of another year, with all the changes that a new year brings – but at time of print, it’s that old pest of COVID-19 which is threatening to make a comeback to the region. Take care, stay safe, be nice and build a support network with your immediate neighbours: post-quake research from Christchurch shows that it’s the communities with strong networks which bounce back most quickly after a crisis.
With the new year, we’re also welcoming some new members on to the Fab Feathy Steering Group (FFSG) and would like to tell you about it. Fab Feathy is a partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to build up community-led development here in Featherston, and FFSG sets the strategic direction for Fab Feathy activities according to aspirations set out in the Community Plan. This helps the kaiwhakarato staff Hana and Jack know what work they should be focusing on. You can find the Community Plan on the Fab Feathy website – and one of the first activities coming up in the new year will be to reach out to everyone in town once again and update the Community Plan fresh for 2022.
Over the next couple of Phoenix issues, we’d like to introduce you to some members of FFSG – because Fab Feathy is about everyone in Featherston. How many do you already know?
Kat Riwaka is well-known as one of our legendary firies, as well as all the other boards and committees with which she volunteers.
Both a super-mum and super-volunteer, Rae Karaitiana is always keen to roll up sleeves and get things sorted for our youth.
Martin O’Connor is an experienced facilitator, guiding parents through courses for behavioural management and other areas of parenting.
A retired academic from VUW’s school of Psychology, John McDowall has watched Featherston grow to become a vibrant place in which to live. He is committed to keeping this development going.