Community Connect

ISSUE 6 • MARCH 2009

E-news from Family and Community Services

Welcome to the sixth edition of Family and Community Services' e-newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to tell us your stories, please email us on enews@facs.govt.nz.

» Download Community Connect Issue 6 - PDF - 120kb

Quick Links:

Issue Six - March 2009:

Te Anau Heartlands has immigration success

PAFT makes a difference

MSD computers put to good use in Cook Islands

Results Based Accountability reaps rewards in Hawkes Bay

Fund supports innovative positive parenting

Franklin Family Support opening a new office

Community Link Approach Builds on Heartland Services

Community Action Fund Round Four now open

Planning for success

Twenty parent volunteers offer to become teen parent mentors

Tough guys promote love and respect

Whānau Christmas event celebrates family

DVD provides voice for teens

Not-for- profit annual pay survey helps set pay expectations

What's happening in the community

Tough guys promote love and respect

They look tough but their message is of love and respect. Super Maori Fullas Roger, Jack, Mathew and Mervyn Rawiri, are riding against family violence on their Harley Davidson's during February.

These brothers from Northland grew up the Super Maori Fulla way – surrounded by love and respect. "Our parents would help anyone in need and we brothers are the same.  There's no family violence in our whānau, we treat everyone with the same respect and love whatever their age, colour, circumstances or behaviour," Jack said.

Super Maori Fullas left to right: Roger Rawiri, Jack Paki, Mathew Rawiri and Mervyn Rawiri.

The brothers are using the visibility and mobility of their 2008/2009 Harley Davidsons to attract New Zealanders from all walks of life to the Super Maori Fulla way of life.  "Anyone can be a Super Maori Fulla," said Jack.  "We hope that by drawing attention to the issue of family violence we will reach people in a new way."

The Ride Against Family Violence kicked off at Cape Reinga on Waitangi Day, Friday 6 February, and travelled through both islands to the Bluff and back to Kaitaia ending their ride on Tuesday 24 February.

The Super Maori Fullas spoke at community events up and down the country.

Bikers were invited to join the ride as the brothers passed through their town – and the response has been overwhelming.

The brothers funded the trip out of their own pockets, with support from businesses, the Families Commission and the Campaign for Action on Family Violence.

» For more information on the Super Maori Fullas.