The Community Builders NZ Trust

The Community Builders NZ Trust in Ōtara spearheads a variety of kaupapa, all born from the heart of the community. Our kaupapa, ranging from youth development programs to cultural preservation efforts, are co-created with local residents to ensure they address real needs and aspirations. We focus on empowering individuals by providing opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression. By harnessing the collective wisdom and passion of our communities, each kaupapa is a true reflection of our community’s vision for a more thriving, brighter and more connected future.​

OUR PROJECTS: The Otara Kai Village | The Otara Bike Burb | The Otara Youth Hub | The Otara Mara Kai | MY Street | Pataka Kai | House of Hustlers | ETL Global Travel | The Clover Park Community House

PURPOSE: To empower residents from New Zealand’s most disadvantaged communities by developing their capacity and capability to become local change makers, with a focus on South Auckland, the Far North, and the Waikato regions.

MISSION: To partner with local residents to overcome barriers and challenges, fostering their potential to create positive change in their own lives and the communities they live in. We aim to build thriving communities by providing resources, strengthening social capital, and promoting active citizenship.

VISION: A New Zealand where every resident, regardless of their circumstances, is empowered to realize their potential, influence change, and contribute to thriving, resilient communities.

GOALS:

Social Capital: Engage street leaders to identify and utilize existing local assets to address immediate community needs and build stronger, self-sufficient neighborhoods.

Resources & Capability: Provide tools, resources, and training to enhance the capacity of local residents to influence change at the street, community, and policy levels.

Youth Citizenship: Equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle challenges and become active, engaged citizens in their communities.

Place-Making: Strengthen the bond between people and the places they live, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership within communities.

Community Well-Being: Promote the well-being of youth, whanau, and the wider community through events, services, and projects that support social, economic, and cultural development.

We absolutely love what we as local residents have been able to accomplish through the Community Builders NZ Trust. We however have to continually chase small pockets of funds, seek out donated assets and time from people to build & sustain the mahi we do for our community. If you believe in what we do, if you see that it's making a positive impact for our community and would love to support a group of hearty residents to enable this mahi to continue on, then we would love your support. Together, we can make a lasting difference.