Local Media: The Heartbeat of Community Support.
At Community Link we know strong communities are built on connection and our local media are at the very heart of that. They tell the stories that matter, amplify our messaging, as well as help us reach people who need support the most.
Why Their Support Matters During Our Christmas Campaign
We’re in the middle of our Christmas fundraising campaign, and now more than ever, spreading the word is critical. Without the generosity of local media, our appeals wouldn’t reach nearly as many people. These are local people telling local stories and you can’t beat it.
The Often-Forgotten Value They Provide
Often, when it comes to recognising organisations, the local media themselves are forgotten, yet the value of the unpaid space they offer to local groups is enormous. But it’s more than space. Their enthusiasm, their willingness to share stories, and their openness to helping shape ideas and initiatives all feed directly into our campaigns and community advocacy.
A great example is our current Christmas campaign: the “everyone can” tagline came from Pip O’Regan at the Wanaka App, perfectly capturing the spirit of collective generosity we rely on. The support allows community organisations like ours to share stories, promote initiatives, and reach new and existing supporters. In practical terms, that contribution is immeasurable.
Our Local Media Partners
We’re incredibly grateful to:
• Wanaka App (Tony & Pip O’Regan)
• The Messenger (Paul Millar and Laura Varnes)
• The Wanaka Sun (Allied Media, Dunedin and Jude Johnson)
• Radio Wanaka (Jack Van Der Heyden and Hannah Twiss at NZME)
• MoreFM (Joel Palmer and Melissa Petas)
How Local Media Strengthen Our Community
These organisations don’t just share local news and stories; they help us strengthen our community. They highlight local issues, celebrate local heroes ensuring vital messages connect with those who need them most. Right now, during our Christmas campaign, their support is essential: families doing it tough need help, and we rely on the generosity of our community to make it happen.
Thank You
Our local media are more than a communications channel, they’re our partners and essential champions for our region. Their commitment allows organisations like ours reach further and truly make a difference.
So thank you, from all of us at Community Link, for sharing our stories, supporting our community, and helping us make this Christmas a little brighter for everyone.