A Word from the Mayor
The board of Eventful Hurunui is hosting a free workshop on Monday 30th August at The Better Half Leithfield at 6pm, with Jon Holmes of Events Goals. Jon will introduce participants to practical information on how to make certain your event is successful. If you want to make your next event a great success your registration is welcome on http://www.eventfulhurunui.co.nz/eventful-workshops Numbers are limited to Hurunui residents and we look forward to your attendance,
Events and activities across our district provide the opportunity for social cohesion, which is critical for our wellbeing, the volunteer contribution to hosting events is significant across our district and many of these attributes were celebrated at the annual Hurunui District community service awards. Guest speaker Trish Coleman spoke about the value of contribution and volunteering. As humans we are ‘social animals’ our relationships with others contribute to feeling good, it’s important to socially connect with others where we can and that developing healthy relationships can increase our feelings of happiness, security, belonging and self-worth. Scientific studies show that helping others boosts happiness, improves our mood and reduces stress and is likely to take our minds off our own concerns.
I have had the privilege of attending the annual St John’s volunteer dinner and several Fire and Emergency NZ awards ceremonies, these events have celebrated many of our community members who have given 100’s of hours collectively to the wellbeing of our district. Being called a volunteer is a precious title one that is admired as it is through volunteering the true value of service to the community is demonstrated- we are fortunate to live in a community that values these involvements.
“Together Hurunui” is a forum that provides collaboration for social service providers to come together on a bi-monthly basis with the vision “that all people in the Hurunui are valued and connected”, this network encourages participation to ensure successful outcomes for individuals and communities, it also has been instrumental in advocating and supporting positive outcomes for health and wellbeing in the district.
To all of you who create events both commercial and not for profit – thank you for making the Hurunui a great place to live, to visit and enjoy. Spring is just around the corner and that means a host of events will be happening for us to enjoy.