It was disappointing that only 19 members and one guest joined last Thursdays meeting. If you were one of the members who were unable to attend the meeting, unfortunately you missed one of the most interesting and insightful Guest Speakers that we have had the pleasure of welcoming to our club. Being a Zoom Meeting we were unable to buy Chris breakfast, but he has agreed to come back and visit us when planning allows and we are not under any Covid-19 restrictions.
Chris Makoare is the Manager of the Glen Innes Family Centre as well as Chair Person of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. Chris has lived in our community for most of his life and apart from the two roles mentioned above, he is also involved in numerous other community organisations. Accordingly he was able to give us a comprehensive insight into the real local community, particularly around the Tamaki / Glen Innes area, how it works, is influenced, its needs and a hint as to how our club may be able to engage more effectively. Our club is already very active in this area and with the local community, but it became very apparent during Chris' talk, and in the very active Q & A, that there is still much that can be done and having the right contacts is paramount. There is much good being accomplished by many organisation in the area but Chris couldn't stress enough how important it is to not build "Silo's" and to ensure that you also look through a Maori and Pacific lens.
Chris changes hats numerous times a day, between his Council and Community activities. His passion revolves around kids, the environment and the community. These priorities are well aligned with our club interests and activities in the area, so it shouldn't be too difficult for our club to have more discussions with Chris. In this regard DGN Allan and President Hugh will form a small team to start looking at how we may work productively together.