When technology, paperwork or government systems become overwhelming, island residents have someone they can turn to. Community worker Mike McLorinan provides practical support that helps people navigate everything from online services to ACC claims.
Based at Aotea Family Support Group (AFSG) and partly funded by Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board, Mike's role is wide-ranging, but at its heart is helping people stay connected to the services and support they need.
"A big part of my role is helping people navigate systems," says Mike.
"Some people struggle when they get on the phone to talk to agencies, so they'll come in and we'll do the phone call together. It just helps."
Local board chair Izzy Fordham says having this service available to residents is especially important since Aotea is such a small island community.
“There are no banks or physical Government agency offices on the island for people to pop into for day-to-day administrative tasks,” she explains.
“Having the community worker role helps us stay resilient, and is a huge support especially for people who may not be so internet savvy.”
For island resident Karen, that support proved invaluable when she hit a roadblock trying to access an online dog training course she had paid for.
After problems with passwords and login details, and with only a mobile phone to use, Karen found herself stuck.
"I went along to Mike, and he was really helpful," she says.
"He did it all for me. And then he showed me what to do to get back onto it again, which I've been able to do."
Karen says she can find modern devices frustrating and knowing there is someone local she can call on makes a real difference.
The support extends beyond Karen herself. Her partner Ken is losing his sight and often finds using a phone difficult because of gaps in his vision.
"He's also helped my partner quite a few times because he's losing his sight," says Karen.
"It was really great for him to go over to Mike and Mike would show him or help him through the process just because he couldn't do it himself. Mike's very considered and does it very carefully."
Mike says situations like Ken's are common.
"For some people, the eyesight just isn't there for them to use their phone," he says.
"They'll come in and say, 'I want you to go to this website and buy this item for me.' So it's like, yep, cool, we can do that."
In addition to helping with technology, Mike supports residents with Work and Income applications, ACC processes, documentation, online forms and other everyday challenges that can become major barriers, particularly for those living remotely or facing health issues.
He also spends time identifying wider community needs and advocating for solutions, drawing on a diverse professional background that includes work in retail, IT, hospitality and Work and Income.
Accessibility is a key part of the role. Mike doesn't just wait for people to come to him. As well as regular days at the AFSG office in Claris, he spends time in Tryphena, makes weekly visits to Okiwi, and holds a monthly clinic at Motairehe Marae. These regular visits have helped build trust and made it easier for residents to seek help when they need it.
Since starting in the role, Mike says the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
"It's been great," he says. "Just a lot of appreciation from people.”
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