Time is running out for Māori voters to choose which electoral roll they want to be on – the Māori roll or the general roll. Voters of Māori descent can only make the choice between rolls when they first enrol to vote, and during the Māori Electoral Option which is held every five or six years and is taking place now. The option started in April and closes on August 2. Voters who wish to change roll types can do so by returning the letter in the information pack sent to Māori voters in April, or by filling in a new enrolment form. The fastest way to return a form is to scan or photograph it and either email it to maorioption@elections.org.nz, or upload it at www.maorioption.org.nz. Forms can also be returned by mail and should be put in the post by July 27 to ensure they arrive in time. For more information or to request an enrolment form, visit www.maorioption.org.nz, or call 0800 36 76 56.
Applications open
Three community funds administered by the Whangārei District Council are open for applications. The first round of the community fund 2018-19 is available for a wide range of projects including festivals, workshops and minor capital purchases. Grants are available up to $10,000. The performing arts fund is set up to encourage performing artists to the district and support events what may not happen otherwise. Grants are available up to $5000. Applications for both funds close on September 3. The first round of the Creative Communities Scheme 2018-19 is open, which is administered on behalf of Creative New Zealand for local community groups to create opportunities for access and participation in arts activities in all forms. Grants are available up to $10,000 and applications close on August 27. A short seminar on the council's funding options is on July 30 at 12pm in the May Bain Room, Whangārei Central Library. More information on community funding and the application forms are available on the council's website.
Te Kumanu Raeroa starts
A new course focusing on some of our most vulnerable is being run by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, starting this month. The programme, called Te Kumanu Raeroa, uses tikanga Māori alongside an understanding of health services to empower the elderly and is being offered in Whangārei for the first time.
Kaiako (tutor) Olive Leonard said the 18-week course covers both Māori and non-Māori aspects of caring for the elderly and contains topics like differing views on ageing, effective communication, advocacy, strategies and support.
"We have a growing population and with that we have an ageing population, so there's been huge interest in Te Kumanu Raeroa and mainly because of its bicultural nature."
This level 3, NZQA-approved qualification can help personal caregivers, home-helpers, drivers, support workers or in-home carers. Graduates can also go on further to study a degree in social work. There will be five weekend noho organised to deliver this class and anyone over the age of 16 can apply. Contact Olive Leonard on (09) 470-4507 for information.