Meet the Members: Raglan Community House

CNA • August 16, 2021

We serve the community of the Raglan township and surroundings, and also neighbouring communities Te Mata, Te Uku, Waitetuna, Waingaro, Ruapuke and Te Akau.

Located at 45 Bow St Raglan/Whaaingaroa, Raglan Community House (RCH) has been operational since the late 1980s. Our team consists of one full-time Manager, a Financial Administrator (30 hours per week) and a team of volunteers. We also have a Budget Advisor (4 days a week) who provides the Building Financial Capability Service.


We open Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm and our regular services include a Drop-in Lounge, Low Cost Counselling, and Free Budgeting. Our Op Shop supports our community with low-cost clothing, opens Mon-Fri and is run by our volunteers. It also provides an opportunity for volunteers to gain Retail Experience, especially young people. Other weekly activities include Technology Support, Te Reo Maori classes, Seniors Coffee Club, Drug &Alcohol Counselling, Narcotics Anonymous, Probation Service, Toy Library and Justice of the Peace Service.


We have regular collaborations with the Raglan Health Transport Service, transporting community members to health-related appointments in Hamilton, and the Whaaingaroa Raglan Affordable Housing Project (WRAP) with Raglan’s Chamber of Commerce and Community Board, finding solutions to the lack of local affordable housing. We are the base for Raglan Maori Wardens and facilitate youth-focused weekly activities and events. We have strong organizational values of Integrity, Respect, Empowerment and Social Justice and our Vision is “Whaaingaroa- A safe and healthy community”. Our workspace is fun and inclusive, supported daily by local whaea who fill the space with Te Reo Maori, Waiata, Ukulele playing, Love and Laughter. 


We serve the community of the Raglan township and surroundings, and also neighbouring communities Te Mata, Te Uku, Waitetuna, Waingaro, Ruapuke and Te Akau.


During the Covid Lockdown we supported the community with counselling and budgeting via phone and emails, distributed food and resources, checked on our isolated and vulnerable community members, and supported the local Community Response Group with information and advice. Having a local economy dependent on tourism and hospitality, Covid has hit us hard. We are blessed with amazing local resources including world-reknown surf and creative resilient people who support each over.


In the last few years we have been very active in supporting local youth providing activities, projects and events. Kickboxing4Youth is a free twice weekly program that encourages physical and mental well-being, self defence and empowerment. We also collaborate with other groups including Raglan Community Radio to provide events that have included National Youth Week events, the Whaaingaroa Talent Factory (WTF) and most recently DJ workshops. We are also looking at providing Drivers Licensing and Mentoring projects.


Poharatanga (Poverty) continues to be the main issue we face, supporting many whanau who are living in unhealthy accommodation including cars, tents and caravans, but issues including mental health, abuse, trauma and addiction are also regular issues we deal with.


Challenges going forward include making sure our team/whanau are looked after, the organization continues to be robust and meeting community needs, and finding solutions to issues including affordable accommodation.

Share

A Response from CNA Chair Holly Snape: 1 Sector, 6 Parties Political Panel

By Community Networks • May 18, 2026
CNA Chair Holly Snape reflects on 1 Sector, 6 Parties, the first 2026 election-focused political panel created specifically for Aotearoa’s community and voluntary sector, highlighting key discussions, sector representation, and why community voices must be part of the election conversation.

Create Your Amazing Networking Election Event

By Community Networks • May 6, 2026
Kia ora koutou, Gather your team, pour a drink, and get ready for something a little different. This isn’t your average political panel. It’s a chance for Aotearoa’s community sector to tune in together, listen to the proposed direction, share ideas, and maybe even get a bit fired up about the future. Hosted by Community Networks Aotearoa, ‘1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond’ this live-streamed event brings politicians from across the spectrum into one (virtual) room to talk candidly about the realities facing charities, iwi organisations, and Not-for-Profits. With the next election on the horizon, what they say, and how they say it, matters. And the best part? You don’t have to watch it alone. Turn it into a mini event of your own. Set up a screen in the office, book out the community hall, or invite a few colleagues over. With drinks, nibbles, and ‘hellos’ kicking off from 4:30pm and the panel starting at 5:00pm, it’s perfectly timed to roll straight from work into something social and energising. Guided by political reporter Jehan Casinader, expect a lively, honest kōrero that goes beyond the usual talking points. He’s got the gumption, you bring the cynicism. As a CNA member it’s a great way to bring your organisation together to reconnect, network, and kōhumuhumu. It’s also a great way to remind your people why you’re our member and what they get from your membership with us. We’re always looking for great ways to help you provide excellent and meaningful support. Watching together adds a whole new layer. You’ll catch things you might miss on your own, spark conversations in the moment, and build a shared understanding of what’s ahead. It’s part watch party, part strategy session, with a side of healthy debate. Want to make it count? Try this: Make it a watch party: Bring shared kai (remember those dietary peeps too!), and a relaxed but curious vibe—think less lecture, more shared experience. Get ready to kōrero: Bring a pen and paper and make moments to react, question, or celebrate what you’re hearing. Capture the “aha” moments: Jot down ideas or quotes that hit home for your team; and what you might be able to put in your newsletter. Turn talk into action: After the stream, ask “So what do we do with this?” and pick one or two next steps. This is your chance to connect, reflect, and maybe even challenge what you think you know. So don’t just tune in, show up, together, and be part of the conversation shaping the road ahead. The election is closer than you think! Ngā mihi, Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

Burning for a Cause

By Community Networks • March 31, 2026
Burning for a Cause: A Totally Scientific Analysis of the NZ Not-for-Profit Sector’s Relationship with Increasingly Stupid Levels of Spice
More Articles