Tairāwhiti Community Voice (TCV) has spent 35 years advocating for locals by linking its members—grassroots organisations, community groups and social services—to ensure essential support is accessible.
The organisation encourages collaboration among members to tackle systemic challenges and enhance local support networks, ensuring greater accessibility for those in need. TCV acts as a bridge, connecting individuals with the right services through direct referrals and guidance.
Each month, TCV hosts meetings that serve as a vital platform for its members.
“The monthly meetings are a great opportunity for local not-for-profit social services to come together, identify gaps and overlaps in their offerings and find ways to navigate these challenges collectively,” says TCV coordinator Tracy Bacon.
TCVs outreach efforts, including a monthly e-newsletter, regularly updated website and active social media presence, ensure that its members and the community stay informed about available resources.
“Many people don’t realise what local resources exist until they need them,” says Tracy.
In October 2024, TCV hosted a community event at Gisborne Hospital that attracted over 150 attendees who discovered essential services and reconnected with organisations they thought had left the region.
“At the expo, someone mentioned that they thought support for multiple sclerosis (MS) hadn’t been available in Gisborne for over 30 years, but there was actually a stand for it right across the room. This is what we aim to do – highlight what’s available and connect people to the services they need.
“If someone doesn’t know who to contact, they can come to us, and we’ll help them find the right support.”
The event’s popularity highlighted the importance of a well-connected community network. Many attendees requested the event become an annual tradition. TCV is eager to continue building these connections.
The Trust has supported TCV with a total of $20,000 in funding between 2021 and 2024.
For more information about TCVs services or to attend their next meeting on 10 February, visit their website.