A place for community connection
3 June 2025
More than a year since it first opened its doors, a dedicated community space in Nelson is helping locals to foster connections and creating opportunities for them to support and uplift one another.
Tuia te Hapori, which means to ‘sew/bind the community’, is the result of a collaborative effort between Kāinga Ora, Whakatū Te Korowai Manaakitanga Trust, New Zealand Police, Mega Mitre 10 and various organisations in Nelson.
Their shared vision was clear: to create a welcoming, accessible space for southeast Stoke residents to gather, share and engage with one another.
The community hub is situated on the edge of Kāinga Ora-owned land occupied by the Karaka Street Flats in Nelson. The small building was transported to Nelson from a redevelopment site in Christchurch where it was no longer needed and refurbished by Mitre10 Helping Hands and other local tradespeople – all on a pro bono basis.
Donna, Kaiwhakahaere from Te Korowai Trust, the non-government organisation that now manages Tuia te Hapori, sees the growing impact the hub has had on local residents.
“For us, it’s really about being a place where the community can come together. The more people use it, the more connections are made, and that’s something truly special,” she says.
Rebecca, the Tuia te Hapori lead, as part of the E tu Whānau initiative, is based regularly at the hub. With support from organisations, including NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki and Ministry of Social Development (MSD), the hub has become a central point for engagement, assistance and collaboration.
“The space is bookable and free of charge. We’d love to see even more groups and agencies making use of it,” Rebecca says.
Locals have been making the most of the kai pantry and pataka on the Tuia te Hapori site. The lawnmower, vacuum cleaner and leafblower have also been popular with residents who borrow them to keep their homes looking tidy.
From Christmas parties to Tamariki (Children) Days, Tuia te Hapori is fast becoming a hub for joyful celebrations. Planning is already underway for this year’s Christmas party, with plans for a massive bouncy castle and activities that everyone in the community can enjoy.
Book the space today by visiting: Book Tuia te Hapori (OK Street Community Hub)(external link)
Donna and Rebecca from Whakatū Te Korowai Manaakitanga Trust with Steve, Kāinga Ora Senior Housing Support Manager, at Tuia te Hapori.
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Page updated: 3 June 2025