THURSDAY DECEMBER 4, 2025
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DECEMBER 4, 2025
Support is on the house Tough times don’t just impact those most in need – many people who would otherwise be willing to help are also trying harder to put food on their own tables at Christmas. But Ōtorohanga Support House Whare Awhina is on hand to ensure even just a little can go a long way, by supplying Christmas meals and gifts for children. “We’re on par with where we were at the same time last year,” manager Dot Ngarotata said. “Because of the cost of living and the economic downturn, people are less able to help us this year, but we’re very lucky because everyone in our community is aware that we’re here and they’re very generous.” Through Whare Awhina’s 2024 Christmas appeal, 150 families received food parcels geared towards Christmas meals and 600 children received presents. “This year, we’re aiming for 100 parcels, but this can change and we’re working hard to try to reach 150,” Ngarotata said. “We do get people coming forward with some pretty amazing donations, ones we haven’t considered or planned for, which is very special.” Cuts to funding for foodbanks have hit home. “We’re being a bit careful about how much we can deliver because funding has been stopped for foodbanks. We’re very fortunate to still be operating at the same level with
our foodbank that we were last year.” The organisation has collection boxes for new food, toys and other items at the Ōtorohanga Support House in Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga District Council offices, The Business Collective and Paper Plus Ōtorohanga. “We’ll take whatever people are prepared to give. Nonperishable food is easier for us to store, but we get farmers who offer meat, which is amazing ahead of Christmas, and we have freezers for that.” Assistance after the holiday break can be just as important, Ngarotata said - the New Year is when the bills tend to hit home. “It definitely can be tough for people in January. We make sure we get out to all the whānau and families and work through plans for them to cope over the Christmas-New Year break. We close down at that time so we try to make sure they’re not going to be left struggling. We also ensure they know who else they can contact, other organisations, if they need to.” Whare Awhina provides support year-round. “We support people in our community across all walks of life with any needs or concerns they have. We’re a full whānau-centric service and children are our main focus. “We know what people need every day, but we make a big push to spread Christmas cheer and make things a little bit special for them at this time of The support house team inspects a donation box outside Paper Plus Ōtorohanga. From left are Pila Rata, Dot Ngarotata, Lorraine year in particular.” Stephens and Donna Hemera
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