Highbury community works together to ensure a fun and event-filled summer

For some communities, summer holidays can be a tense time, particularly those deemed disadvantaged. When schools and other facilities are closed, and families cannot afford to go away on holidays, the lengthy holiday period can be stressful.

Highbury community groups are working together to ensure their community has fun, family events and activities on their doorstep this summer to relieve this stress and tension.

Palmerston North City Council’s Community Groups Advisor Pascal Francois has led the collaboration between community groups, Highbury Whānau Centre, Legacy Centre, Papaioea Pasifika Centre, Pascal Street Community Trust and Te Aroha Noa. A cross organisation Highbury Summer Events booklet has been created that lists all the services, programmes and events available to the Highbury community.

The objective of the booklet is to improve the social connectedness in Highbury with a drive of building a stronger social infrastructure.

Palmerston North City Council’s Manager – Community Engagement Ian Littleworth says, “To have so many local groups working together for the same goal of improving life in Highbury is hugely positive. They are able to show those inside and outside their community that there are some great initiatives and activities happening within their suburb. A well connected community is more resilient, safer and better able to manage change. They are also able to positively contribute to our city’s vision of being vibrant, caring, innovative, sustainable and prosperous.”

The first event highlighted in the booklet is the Dad’s Day Out on Sunday 13 November at Monrad Park from 11am – 3pm. This event was a great success last year and the community are eagerly anticipated this year’s event.

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