A visit to his local community house set Beach Haven resident Karl Nebbeling on a fresh path, opening the door to new skills, connections and opportunities.
Karl grew up on the North Shore and has lived in Beach Haven for the past two and a half years. He first discovered Birkdale Community House through a local Facebook group. With free classes on offer, he decided to attend and quickly became a regular.
“I rocked up, I met Amanda one of the teachers here, and I listened to her speak Māori. And I thought, wow, a white girl can speak Māori, and way better than me! So, she relit my fire underneath becauseas I was carrying a lot of mamoe (pain) because I was brought up where I was punished at school for speaking Māori.”
Karl joined the Tuesday morning te reo Māori classes at Birkdale Community House and later went on to complete two years of full immersion study through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
A place to learn and connect
For people considering joining a class at a local community house, Karl says the benefits extend well beyond learning new skills.
“There are people from different walks of life. I’ve got a lady travelling all the way from Titirangi to come and stay in the class. Just being together and sharing our ups and downs makes gives it a real community feel. And we support one another, which is a great thing as well, and you feel like you’ve got the pulse on the community.”
As Karl’s confidence grew, he began volunteering at Birkdale Community House and helping to run sessions. This experience has led him to apply for a certificate in teaching, opening a new career pathway.
“I volunteer and I even take some of the classes. This is where it’s leading me to. I’ve applied for a certificate in teaching, and I want to be a teacher now.”
Karl in his element, teaching students in the Birkdale Community House's te reo Māori classes.
Find a community house near you
The Kaipātiki Local Board invests in numerous community houses and centres across the area, helping people access activities, learning opportunities, social connections and community support close to home. This funding supports programmes, tutors, venue costs and community-led initiatives, making it easier for residents to make the most of what their local community has to offer.
Check out some of the community houses and centres in the Kaipātiki Local Board area.
- Bayview Community Centre – Glenfield, offers community activities, early learning and more.
- Beach Haven Community House – Beach Haven, provides local classes, groups and events.
- Birkdale Community House – Birkdale, local community programmes and classes.
- Cedar Centre – Beach Haven, community hub with activities and space for groups.
- Glenfield Community Centre – Glenfield, offers programmes and room hire.
- Highbury Community House & Early Learning Centre – Birkenhead, supports community programmes and local services
- Rawene Centre – Birkenhead, offers classes, clubs and event spaces.
Through these investments, the Kaipātiki Local Board is helping residents connect, learn, and take part in their local communities, ensuring that activities, learning and support are accessible, welcoming and community led.
Check out your local community house today and explore the programmes and activities on offer. There’s something for everyone!
Apply for local board funding
Community groups and organisations can apply for funding through their local board’s grants programmes. Information about eligibility, funding rounds and how to apply is available on the Auckland Council website by searching for “local board grants”.
By investing in local organisations and facilities, local boards are helping Aucklanders make the most of their city through opportunities that are accessible, community led and close to where people live.
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