Community Link is delighted to welcome Mini Smith to the team as a Wellbeing Connector. Joining Sarah Stewart, Mini's appointment strengthens the service and helps ensure local people can access Wellbeing Connector support five days a week.
From Sweden to Wānaka
Originally from Sweden, Mini's journey to Wānaka has taken a few unexpected turns. After training and working as a nurse, she set off on what was supposed to be a year of travel. Along the way she met a young Kiwi in Australia, and before long New Zealand became home.
Now married with two young children, Mini has built a life in the Upper Clutha and a strong connection to the local community. When she first arrived in Wānaka, she worked in a variety of administration and bookkeeping roles before deciding to follow a long-held passion for helping people and retrain as a social worker.
As part of her studies, Mini completed one of her community placements at Community Link under the guidance of former social worker Heather Clay.
"It gave me a real understanding of what Community Link does and the impact it has on people's lives," she says.
A Full Circle Moment
After qualifying, Mini spent the past three years working as a youth worker with Kahu Youth. Now she has come full circle, returning to Community Link in a role that feels like a natural fit.
What excites her most is the variety that every day brings.
"You never know what's going to walk through the door, what phone call or email might come in, or how you'll be able to help someone. It keeps you on your toes, and I love that challenge."
Mini believes one of Community Link's greatest strengths is the breadth of support available through the organisation and the wider Community Hub network. While completing her social work studies, she worked as a youth worker, and after graduating a year ago she moved to Mt Maunganui for seven months. There she worked with the Salvation Army, an experience that gave her a valuable perspective on different models of community support and reinforced just how unique Community Link's approach is.
"Having services working alongside each other and being able to connect easily over a coffee or a conversation creates better outcomes for people," she says. "It really reflects the community spirit we have here."
Having experienced other organisations and communities, Mini says she has come to appreciate the strength of Community Link's collaborative model and the role the Community Hub plays in bringing people and services together.
Kindness Matters
She also sees her own experiences as a youth worker, football coach and parent as strengths she brings to the role. Together, she and Sarah Stewart offer complementary skills and perspectives, helping them support people from a wide range of backgrounds and life stages.
The best career advice Mini has ever received is simple: be kind!
"You never know what someone is carrying or what challenges they're facing. A little kindness can make a real difference and might even be the best part of someone's day."
And for those who think they know her, here's a surprise: despite calling New Zealand home for many years, Mini still hasn't mastered liking Marmite. Fortunately, helping people navigate life's challenges comes much more naturally.
When she's not helping others, you'll often find her on the football field, enjoying one of her lifelong passions.
We're thrilled to have Mini back at Community Link and look forward to the compassion, energy and community spirit she brings to the Wellbeing Connector team.
Need someone to talk to or some help? Community Link's Wellbeing Connector team is here to listen, provide support, and help connect you with the right services. Contact us on Wellbeing | Community Link wellbeing@communitylink.nz or 03 443 7799, or learn more at communitylink.nz