We know that parenting can be a real challenge, especially in our community where many are without family support. If you’re a new parent or a parent of young children, there are many ways to get a little extra support. Just a few of the organisations available locally are highlighted here.

The Community Networks/LINK Family Support Programme is a voluntary service offering free support to parents of pre-school age children in Wanaka and the Upper Clutha.

If you are a keen gardener, looking to try something new, be sure to pop down to the Wānaka Recreation Centre this week to join one of these family-friendly community garden drop-in sessions. Whether it’s seed sowing and swapping, pot painting, bee hotel building or harvesting and composting with Dr Compost, Garden and Gather has something for everyone to earn new skills and make connections.

March 18-27 marks Neighbours Day Aotearoa 2022, an annual event encouraging community building across New Zealand by celebrating the connection that happens across the fence, down the street or over a cuppa.