Auckland Council’s newly formed Community Committee has met for the first time this week at Auckland House, with chair Cr Angela Dalton referencing the national campaign of Mental Health Awareness Week during her opening speech.
She encouraged councillors, staff, and Aucklanders to reach out to neighbours, check in with colleagues and take a moment to share gratitude, in support of the Mental Health Foundation’s 2024 theme – of 'Community is...what we create together'.
“There has never been a more important time to focus on community. It is our strong social connections that keep us moving forward through the tough times and able to navigate the ups and downs a bit easier,” says Cr Dalton. "Great communities start with listening and understanding."
The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging New Zealanders to focus on one action each day from 23-29 September to improve the wellbeing of people, whānau and communities in line with its Five Ways of Wellbeing.
Deputy chair Councillor Julie Fairey says Council wants to support people to be able to add in the five ways to their daily routines.
“The five ways to boost your wellbeing are to connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active. Today is Tautoko Tuesday, which is about noticing the positives around you and offering your thanks to those who provide them. I think we can all make someone else smile by letting them know how much we appreciate them,” she says.
The Community Committee has community matters at the heart of its focus. It makes decisions on all regional grants and oversees community programmes and assets.
Its yearly work programme includes:
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regional strategy for arts, culture and events
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managing the regional grants programme and decisions
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sports and recreation decisions, plus community facilities and services
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community partner organisation arrangements and reporting.
