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KiwiOra Community Trust

KiwiOra was borne out of our experiences of working with people and communities at the coalface, and our approach is all about addressing the pressing issues and needs at the ground level. Our focus remains on specific cultural and socio-economic areas.(Including though not limited to Māori, Pacific and South Asian Community groups,and specific areas of Auckland).

We realise we cannot fix the world, but also realise that focusing on where help is needed most, and where our strengths lie – is the key to success in achieving our goals.

We also want to create bridges between Aotearoa’s Diverse Communities while upholding the principles of The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiritio Waitangi), and respect for the Māori Worldview (Te Ao Māori)

The main areas of focus, for us, are:

  1. Wellness (both mental & physical).
  2. Individualised or group support for social services.
  3. Education, Advocacy, via leaders in the community.
  4. And, to work with individuals, organizations, businesses in the diverse communities to develop communication, cohesion and integration.
 
KiwiOra Mission Statement

KiwiOra Community Trust is a charitable trust focused on the diverse communities of Aotearoa.

Our mission is to get involved with people - at the community and at the grassroots level of Aotearoa. To help and assist people with various challenges in a rapidly changing society, economy and country; by addressing issues of wellness (both mental and physical), education, social service, community engagement via upliftment and support where needed.

Our initiatives and projects are about finding ways to make communities more resilient. To bolster them with the support that helps them deal with challenges in today’s fast changing world.

We will work to support people who are facing socio-economic challenges, or doing it hard in terms of managing family and working life. We can guide them to services and provide access to services that can assist them to deal with and come out of the rut by supporting and showing a path out of it.

Our Vision

THE VISION– is to create networks with local communities as well as with government departments, corporate entities and non-governmental organizations - to provide support and services to people and communities that are in distress or need.

We also have a vision to help foster a strong, more cohesive, multicultural and diverse society going forward. So, while it is about co-existence and integration and finding a way to create a cohesive society - it's also about making everyone aware of each other's points of view in order to be able to connect, communicate and thereby create a future where that is possible.

 
 
Our Objective

THE OBJECTIVE - is to create initiatives, educational workshops, seminars as well as outreach programs that reach people at the grassroots level of the local community.

And to provide them with wellness support, educational support and support in terms of basic needs where needed or where feasible, so that they are able to live fulfilled and good lives. To proactively create events, initiatives as well as outreach programmes into these communities; to bring about positive change and to create an ability for them to not just survive, but thrive, in these challenging times.

Aotearoa New Zealand is a great country to live in. And everyone one in Aotearoa deserves to live a good life. However, like the rest of the world at the moment, it too has its challenges, and we want do our bit to help kiwis face those challenges.

Services

Wellness: Clothing Donation / Grocery Giveaway

KiwiOra aims to run clothing donation drives, to coincide with seasonal changes and demand. Everyone is welcome to come and pick up clothes for themselves, their friends or whanau. We also aim to run monthly grocery giveaways. And it is our endeavour to provide families with a grocery box that may last them anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Grocery Giveaways are planned to be scheduled on the last Saturday* of the month. (*dates subject to change). Dates & details for the Clothing and Grocery giveaways, will be posted on our social media, with adequate notice.

Education

We provide local support in Papakura to all the people in the local community – including advice, training, administrative guidance and education in order to improve living standards and alleviate the effects of emotional and physical suffering for those in need. Initiatives range from First Aid courses, to nutrition classes and computer courses for elders etc. The community is welcome to provide feedback and also bring to us any other needs that we can support. Just come talk to us.

Community Engagement : Multicultural Concert

We are involved at the grassroots level of communities in our region. One of our key aims is to provide culturally significant events for several / various ethnic communities in order to entertain, educate or inform them. So, depending on the performing artists or speakers and guests we can engage and when we can put up these events during the calendar - our events may be multicultural or focus on individual specific communities.

Community Work/Services

We endeavour to support families/whänau, ethnic communities, community workers, community groups in advancing health, wellness and support networks and services, in areas such as old age, disability or homelessness. You can reach out to us at our Papakura office or via our website or facebook page.

To stream or cast,
via print/social media

For recognizing the achievements and services of Kiwis and diverse diaspora in the areas of Art, culture, language, sports, volunteering and community work in New Zealand.

Others

To promote good health and improve the access of health care services amongst South Asian, Pacifica, Māori and other Communities.

Our Projects
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Abhijeet Live at the Diwali Concert in Auckland

Our first cultural event was for A Diwali Concert in 2022, where we collaborated to support a concert for the Indian Community, featuring the resurgent and well know singer / artist Abhijeet Bhattacharya. Abhijeet – as he is best known by his first name – is an established Indian pop and film music singer who performs live and has released several soundtracks and albums. He has been known affectionately for “providing the soundtrack to people’s lives in the 90s”. He has sung as background singer for big film stars such as Shah Rukh Khan. And has also won an MTV Music Asia Award, among many accolades.

The concert was also supported by and featured a vignette performance by “Salaam Bollywood” (written & directed by Viraf Todywala), that riffed on a fun take on Sholay, a popular Hindi film, that stands out as one of the biggest hits in the 100 plus years history of Indian Cinema.

KiwiOra’s involvement was able to make this concert happen in New Zealand despite the logistical and other challenges. It gave an opportunity for thousands of Kiwi Indians to come and celebrate Diwali together, while being entertained by a singer who provided some of the biggest hits of the 90s and created a huge nostalgic stir.

Trash to Treasure Competition

KiwiOra Community Trust & Takaanini Library and Community Hub organised the "Trash to Treasure Fashion Show", a highly successful event that aimed to encourage innovation, creativity, and environmental protection. Semi’s held on March 25th. Finals held on April 1st. The event was attended by 100+ community members. VIPs Kaiya Irvine, a member of the Auckland Council, and sitting MP Dr. Anau Neru Leavasa, felicitated the participants.

A platform for sharing and celebrating diverse cultures, the event raised awareness of environmental issues and recycling. Nora Swann (creative Entrepreneur/Pacific Fusion Fashion Show), Tracy Shackleton (Papakura Town Manager), and Diane Lee (Korean TV and fashion personality), assisted with judging the competition.

Over 100 people, including participants, parents, teachers, vendors, judges, and other volunteers and stakeholders, were involved in the event. It involved schools in Takanini and Papakura. The community feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The event was seen as a comeback for grassroots community events. The community was happy to be engaged in a fun, educational, and inclusive multicultural event that involved tamariki, rangatahi, whanau, teachers, and many other community members.

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KiwiOra Thanks "Love Food Hate Waste" an Auckland
Council for Promoting Sustainable Food Practices

We are pleased to express our heartfelt appreciation to "Love Food Hate Waste" and Auckland Council for their unwavering support in raising awareness about sustainable food practices within our community. KiwiOra acknowledges their invaluable contributions towards the shared goal of reducing food waste. Thanks too for supporting us to create this animation.

At KiwiOra, we strongly believe that by adopting mindful habits, we can make a significant impact on the environment, our well-being, and our finances. Our mission is to keep our food fresher, promote healthier bodies, and foster happier wallets through the reduction of food waste.

We encourage everyone to join us in this important endeavour by sharing your own tips and suggestions for minimizing food waste. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for all. Visit our website or facebook page today to learn more about our initiatives and become part of the solution.

Comedy Show

Chal Mera Putt : At KiwiOra, we are committed to bringing diverse and high-quality entertainment experiences to our community. We believe in the power of laughter to bring people together and create a sense of joy and positivity. "CHAL MERA PUTT" exemplifies our dedication to curating events that leave a lasting impact on our audiences, and we can't wait to share this incredible comedy show with you all!

"CHAL MERA PUTT" is not just a comedy show; it's a celebration of Punjabi humor and a chance to immerse yourself in the joy of laughter. With a stellar cast of renowned comedians who have tickled funny bones worldwide, this show promises to deliver non-stop entertainment that will leave you in stitches! Each comedian brings their unique style and wit to the stage, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a Punjabi at heart or simply love a good laugh, this show is bound to make your cheeks ache from smiling!

Mark your calendars for 11th August 2023, because that's when the laughter riot will unfold at The Dorothy Winstone Centre in Auckland. The venue is easily accessible, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Get ready to witness world-class comedy right here in Auckland!

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Thai cooking classes

Once upon a time in the vibrant community of Papakura, a group of passionate food lovers came together with a dream – to explore the rich world of Thai cuisine. They believed that culinary adventures could bring joy and unity to their neighborhood.

And so, they embarked on a series of Thai cooking classes. The response was incredible. People of all backgrounds gathered in a cozy kitchen, wielding knives and stirring pots, their hearts filled with curiosity and excitement.

Fast forward to today, after three successful classes. These gatherings became more than just cooking sessions; they were a celebration of culture and a journey through the senses. Participants left with newfound skills, filled bellies, and hearts brimming with gratitude.

Today, as we reflect on this delicious adventure, we extend our deepest thanks to the Papakura Local Board for their unwavering support. It’s with their backing that this culinary journey was possible. Together, we’ve shown that a shared love for food can strengthen community bonds.

Tarsem Jassar 's cultural concert in Hamilton

Welcome to the vibrant city of Hamilton, where cultures blend harmoniously, and music transcends all boundaries. In a spectacular show that took the city by storm, the talented Punjabi artist, Tarsem Jassar, wowed the audience with his mesmerizing performance. Let us take you on a journey through the unforgettable night of music, unity, and celebration.

Hamilton witnessed an extraordinary event as Tarsem Jassar took the stage and delivered an electrifying performance. The audience was captivated by his soulful voice and charismatic presence. With a repertoire of his best and biggest hits, the crowd couldn't help but sing along and wave their phones with the lights on, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Accompanied by a talented band and exceptional backing singers, Tarsem Jassar's performance reached new heights. The seamless synchronization between the musicians and the artist ensured a musical experience like no other. The fusion of traditional Punjabi sounds with contemporary elements brought a unique flavor to the show, leaving the audience in awe.

The event was made possible through the support of KiwiOra, an organization proud to be associated with cultural events for ethnic and Punjabi communities. Their commitment to promoting diversity and cultural exchange played a vital role in making the night a resounding success. KiwiOra's involvement highlighted their dedication to fostering a sense of unity and belonging among different communities.

Tarsem Jassar's unforgettable performance in Hamilton showcased the power of music in uniting people from all walks of life. His soul-stirring voice, accompanied by a talented band and supported by KiwiOra, created a magical evening of celebration and cultural appreciation. This multicultural musical extravaganza demonstrated that when talents like Tarsem Jassar grace the stage, Hamilton truly becomes a city of harmony and shared experiences. Let the echoes of this unforgettable night resonate within us, reminding us of the beauty of cultural diversity and the universal language of music.

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Vaccination Drives

Welcome to KiwiOra - your partner in community health and wellbeing. As the world continues to grapple with health challenges, we are dedicated to safeguarding the health of our community through our ongoing vaccination drives. While our focus has been on combating Covid-19, we go beyond that by offering flu jabs and a range of vaccinations for both children and adults.

At KiwiOra, we believe in inclusivity and strive to support the diverse communities that make Auckland special, with a particular emphasis on South Auckland. Our mission is to make healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.

KiwiOra is committed to a healthier, happier community. Together, let's protect ourselves and our loved ones. Join us in this important journey towards a stronger and more resilient Auckland.

New Zealand Punjabi Painting Competition

Welcome to the vibrant world of the NZ Punjabi Painting Competition, where art and culture converge to create a truly enriching experience. This event is a celebration of creativity and tradition, providing a platform for Punjabi artists in NZ to showcase their talent while fostering a deeper connection with their roots.

Our vision is to create a lasting legacy of Punjabi art and culture in NZ, We aspire to

1. Inspire and empower artists to explore their creativity
2. Promote cultural diversity and understanding
3. Strengthen the bonds of the Punjabi community in NZ
4. Encourage cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation.

On behalf of the entire organization and participants of the NZ Punjabi Painting Competition, we wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to COGS for your generous funding and support for this event.

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Upcoming Events :

We are planning to do many more events – please visit us again on Facebook, from time to time, to stay informed, up to date and on top of things.

Contact Us

Contact - for events or initiatives that benefit communities
or if we can help support your community in any way.

info@kiwiora.org.nz


www.kiwiora.org.nz


@KiwiOraCommunityTrust

Opening : Monday - Friday from 12pm to 6pm

Send Us a Message