Covid-19: Update from the Chair

Over the past month Coronavirus (Covid-19) has overtaken our routines. As a nation, we have shown great prudence, resilience and compassion in an effort to keep everyone safe. Through enforced self-isolation we have, in general, obeyed the rules that Government have set out for us, we have utilised tools and measures to continue business, and worked through how to adapt our tikanga in order to ensure we can still function appropriately and with dignity.

Whilst Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō have managed to stay abreast of the initiatives and measures that the Government and Non-Government Organisations have put in place to support those in need, some people may have fallen through the cracks. If you have not been called by our Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō office team yet, please know that we will be catching up with you soon. We have been trying to give each household a call, we want you all to know that we care and ensure no-one is left feeling isolated.

If you have been part of the essential services, THANK YOU. Thanks also to your whānau who have obviously supported you through these trying times. We do not know the extent to which anyone else has been affected yet, if life is uncertain for you, kia kaha. Most of us however are able to stay in our bubbles, feeling a little anxious but reasonably safe, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t think of others less fortunate – a smile, a call or a thank you can often make all the difference in someone’s life.

The Board are continuing to work on business as usual. For example, we are looking at what our AGM, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2020, might look like given we may not be able to meet as an extended group. Having a remote type of meeting is a possibility and staff are looking at how this might be achieved (just in case we have to use this method of meeting). Given the financial constraints as a result of the impact of Covid-19, we have had to prioritise and re-calibrate some goals and expectations. There are a number of other key pieces of work we addressing.

We are nearly there whānau, continue to stay safe, keep up the handwashing and drying, keep your distance outside of your bubbles, stick to the rules of Alert Level 3 and remember to be kind.

Ngā mihi

Hinemoa Conner

Chair, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Charitable Trusts