Stronger communities. Better decisions. Starting in Newlands
Stronger communities. Better decisions. Starting in Newlands.
Knowing our neighbours means people we can support, turn to for help and work with to improve our neighbourhood. Those relationships matter in everyday life and when disruption strikes.
Through Aotearoa Community Resilience Network (ACoRN) and Newlands Resilience Group, we are working towards stronger connections and a community voice in decisions across Newlands, Paparangi, Woodridge and Bellevue.
Listening to residents
Our surveys gathered 1,163 responses across 2019–2025. They highlight strengths in life skills, independence, belonging and access to nature, alongside opportunities to strengthen mutual support, cultural participation and disaster preparedness. These findings reflect respondents’ experiences. Explore our 2019–2025 community survey results and trends.
Our next survey runs from 21 October to 4 November, followed by a November community conversation about priorities, practical responses and who could help.
Residents’ knowledge can inform neighbourhood activities and wider public decisions alongside professional expertise and other evidence. We intend to share responses back and track resulting actions.
Starting small and learning together
We are seeking NZ$57,800 for a proposed March–May 2027 trial, supporting 40 volunteer Community Connectors to establish 20 neighbourhood groups.
Connectors would help neighbours build relationships, contribute, support one another and access appropriate help. Residents would shape local activities. Connectors would be registered through Greater Wellington Neighbourhood Support, with ACoRN providing trial training and coordination.
The trial would co-develop an app for neighbour communication, Connector training and support, and local emergency information. A proposed university case study and literature review would contribute to learning.
Testing before expanding
We would assess participation, Connector retention, resident-reported connection and mutual support, the usefulness of training and the app, and costs against budget.
Success thresholds would be agreed with trial funders beforehand. An end-of-May review against those thresholds and delivery readiness would inform whether to proceed, adapt or pause.
Investing in continuity
By 1 February 2027, we seek trial funding and conditional commitments for implementation from mid-2027. This would help maintain relationships and volunteer momentum if the trial succeeds. Implementation funding would be released subject to agreed conditions, introducing mentoring and professional supervision to support Connectors.
Read our Investment Brief [HERE] for the staged funding amounts, delivery approach and accountability arrangements.
We welcome conversations with philanthropic and grant funders interested in supporting the trial, conditional implementation, or both.
Contact Rodney Barber: rodney@acorn-resilience
