Community House named after Merv Hancock
Palmerston North's Community House was renamed after social work pioneer Mervyn Hancock at an event held on 7 August 2012, attended by Merv, Mayor Jono Naylor, Massey University Vice-Chancellor and former MP Steve Maharey, and other city and community leaders.
Palmerston North's Community House was renamed after social work pioneer Mervyn Hancock at an event held on 7 August 2012, attended by Merv, Mayor Jono Naylor, Massey University Vice-Chancellor and former MP Steve Maharey, and other city and community leaders.
 Mrvy Hancock Speaking at the naming of Hancock Community House in 2012
|
The naming of Hancock Community House in 2012
|
Unveiling a plaque commemorating Merv Hancock in 2018
|
Mervyn Hancock (1926–2016)
Mervyn Hancock encouraged people to come together to work for the greater good. By taking the time to make personal connections with people, he brought together diverse groups to make something happen. These actions are at the heart of the kaupapa of the organisations resident here.
Merv set up many community groups in Palmerston North including Methodist Social Services and the Palmerston North Parents Centre. While serving as a Palmerston North city councillor, he encouraged the International Pacific College, now IPU, to settle here.
He is widely recognised for establishing the modern social work profession in New Zealand, helping to set up the first Bachelor of Social Work degree at Massey University in 1975. As an educator, sociologist, community worker and mentor, Merv influenced and transformed many people’s lives.
When Hancock Community House was named in his honour in 2012, Merv commented “You need to work together to change things”, a statement which guides Hancock Community House today.
Mervyn Hancock encouraged people to come together to work for the greater good. By taking the time to make personal connections with people, he brought together diverse groups to make something happen. These actions are at the heart of the kaupapa of the organisations resident here.
Merv set up many community groups in Palmerston North including Methodist Social Services and the Palmerston North Parents Centre. While serving as a Palmerston North city councillor, he encouraged the International Pacific College, now IPU, to settle here.
He is widely recognised for establishing the modern social work profession in New Zealand, helping to set up the first Bachelor of Social Work degree at Massey University in 1975. As an educator, sociologist, community worker and mentor, Merv influenced and transformed many people’s lives.
When Hancock Community House was named in his honour in 2012, Merv commented “You need to work together to change things”, a statement which guides Hancock Community House today.
Opening of the Palmerston North Community House
Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
Speech given on Tuesday 9 August 2011, 3.30pm
Rangitane o Manawatu, tena koutou.
E nga mana o tenei whenua, mihi mai, mihi mai.
Ko te awa o Whanganui tenei e mihi atu
No reira, e nga iwi, e nga reo, tena koutou katoa
I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor; Manawatu District Mayor Ian McKelvie, present and past city councillors and former Mayor Jill White
All of you have played a significant role in supporting this very distinctive development - this wonderful building in front of us.
There is a common saying heard when a house is opened, Ko Tane pupuke. In its purest form it means Tane is rising up. It can be interpreted in two ways.
Today with the opening of this magnificent building we can truly see Tane rising up, taking the world by storm. The earthy warmth of the tones; the curve and flow of the design amidst the solid strength of this structure speak volumes about this house for the people.
They say a picture equates to a thousand words. Today we have a picture of community development which is multiplied a thousand fold. I have the greatest pride in being able to name for us all to hear – the community organisations that are now tenanted in this Community House:
If ever there is a picture of collaboration, of co-operation, of community endeavour – that list surely provides us with one.
The opportunity to be inclusive is one that all of must embrace as we move forward, remembering that the face of Aotearoa is changing. As any statistician will tell us Asian, Pacific and Māori populations are growing faster and will increase their share of the New Zealand total – we all have a responsibility in reflecting this reality in a way which truly welcomes diversity.
The opening of this house represents the culmination of hard work, intensive consultation with the community and financial investment from funding partners including Lottery funding, the Eastern and Central Community Trust and the Endeavour Community Trust. For this, I congratulate you all.
When I was invited to this event today, I was invited to a celebration. And it is indeed a celebration on many levels.
In the context of global financial uncertainty, we have to celebrate the commitment to make every dollar go further, the decision to share backroom services, the initiative to do things more efficiently and effectively.
This such an inspiring example of community organisations; some of their government partners and other funders walking the talk; finding a way to connect and collaborate better and more frequently; and providing ease of access to services for those people and whānau who need them.
One of your own probably said it best Tony Clear, manager of Manline, recently told the Tribune, “community agencies are no longer disparate groups housed in any old space they could afford”.
The immaculate look of this building design must be matched by an eye for excellence; a commitment to detail in the relationships you develop between yourselves.
I love the partnership approach that comes with the concept of a community house – the commitment to work together for the benefit of communities. It just makes absolute sense – it is pragmatic, while innovative.
The model is also working successfully in other parts of the country such as Napier, New Plymouth, Porirua, Christchurch and my home town of Whanganui. In a couple of days time in fact, I will be attending the fifth birthday celebrations of the Napier Community House.
The facility presents a firm foundation for community organisations and will be a resource for years to come benefiting not only those in Palmerston North, but also a wider regional basis encompassing Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua.
It is very much about the way of the future – making connections, building relationships, coming together driven by the needs and priorities of your people. I understand that this is a purpose-built facility – you have placed yourself at the centre of the architecture. It is a fantastic concept – very much like what I consider to be the hallmark of the Whanau Ora approach – placing the people at the centre – and being driven by their aspirations.
There is so much to be said for occupying the same space, philosophically and physically.
In much the same way, being housed in the same space, will enable you all to share conversations and ideas far more readily than if you were in your own separate space – and that has to augur well for your future.
I want to commend you on your vision in basing the building of your new home on green design and principles. In your decision to create a healthier, safer and more efficient environment, you are not just saving the dollars – you’re saving on staff morale and productivity as well.
Lower energy overheads and annual maintenance costs will help to keep your running costs down, and all that means is that you have more resource available to do the mahi.
The major benefit to this state of the art facility however, is really that it models what we understand as Common Unity.
It helps to minimise any sense of isolation you might otherwise feel by bringing a co-ordinated approach to social issues. And of course your greatest resource in achieving Common Unity is the people.
Volunteers will play a key role in the delivery of services and the efficient running of the community house. There has also been strong support from the community, including businesses who contributed advice and expertise.
Finally I want to extend my congratulations because there is an obvious diversity of groups and peoples gathered in this space, including disabled persons organisations, ethnic community groups, housing advocates, amongst the many different needs under one roof.
I know that this facility will quickly become an asset – and I want to mihi to the Council for your ongoing commitment to helping to reduce costs and thereby support the groups located here.
What has occurred here is a true example of the Kia Tutahi Standing Together Relationship Accord in action. On 1 August, the Prime Minister, some community members and I were the first to sign the Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord at Parliament.
It was a celebration of the importance of communities and government working together. The Relationship Accord principles form a platform on which government and communities can build stronger relationships to work better together.
If I could leave one theme with you, it would be to look carefully at the Kia Tutahi principle about reaching out and responding to diversity in our community, including mana whenua and mana Pasifika.
The implementation of the Accord is also an opportunity for communities to get involved and put ideas for building engagement into practice. I invite you to take this opportunity to champion the Accord and use it to benefit all.
As a first step – and in recognition of this auspicious occasion - I invite you all – including the Mayoralty - to sign the Accord today. The Department of Internal Affairs staff members here today can show you what to do and can provide information on how to get involved.
I return to the message inherent in Ko Tane pupuke. Let today be a wonderful celebration of the rising up of the communities of this region – may your ideas and aspirations spring forth and multiply – and let us all look forward to the possibilities they signal for a prosperous future ahead.
Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
Speech given on Tuesday 9 August 2011, 3.30pm
Rangitane o Manawatu, tena koutou.
E nga mana o tenei whenua, mihi mai, mihi mai.
Ko te awa o Whanganui tenei e mihi atu
No reira, e nga iwi, e nga reo, tena koutou katoa
I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor; Manawatu District Mayor Ian McKelvie, present and past city councillors and former Mayor Jill White
All of you have played a significant role in supporting this very distinctive development - this wonderful building in front of us.
There is a common saying heard when a house is opened, Ko Tane pupuke. In its purest form it means Tane is rising up. It can be interpreted in two ways.
Today with the opening of this magnificent building we can truly see Tane rising up, taking the world by storm. The earthy warmth of the tones; the curve and flow of the design amidst the solid strength of this structure speak volumes about this house for the people.
They say a picture equates to a thousand words. Today we have a picture of community development which is multiplied a thousand fold. I have the greatest pride in being able to name for us all to hear – the community organisations that are now tenanted in this Community House:
- Palmerston North Citizens Advice Bureau
- Brain Injury Central Districts
- Manawatu Samaritans
- Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Society - Manawatu
- Parentline Manawatu
- Manawatu Multicultural Council
- Youthline – Manawatu
- Manawatu Home Budgeting Service
- Manline
- Housing Advice Centre
- Disabled Persons Assembly
- Palmerston North Community Services Council
- Volunteer Resource Centre
- Manawatu Tenants Union
- Central Region Advocacy Service
If ever there is a picture of collaboration, of co-operation, of community endeavour – that list surely provides us with one.
The opportunity to be inclusive is one that all of must embrace as we move forward, remembering that the face of Aotearoa is changing. As any statistician will tell us Asian, Pacific and Māori populations are growing faster and will increase their share of the New Zealand total – we all have a responsibility in reflecting this reality in a way which truly welcomes diversity.
The opening of this house represents the culmination of hard work, intensive consultation with the community and financial investment from funding partners including Lottery funding, the Eastern and Central Community Trust and the Endeavour Community Trust. For this, I congratulate you all.
When I was invited to this event today, I was invited to a celebration. And it is indeed a celebration on many levels.
In the context of global financial uncertainty, we have to celebrate the commitment to make every dollar go further, the decision to share backroom services, the initiative to do things more efficiently and effectively.
This such an inspiring example of community organisations; some of their government partners and other funders walking the talk; finding a way to connect and collaborate better and more frequently; and providing ease of access to services for those people and whānau who need them.
One of your own probably said it best Tony Clear, manager of Manline, recently told the Tribune, “community agencies are no longer disparate groups housed in any old space they could afford”.
The immaculate look of this building design must be matched by an eye for excellence; a commitment to detail in the relationships you develop between yourselves.
I love the partnership approach that comes with the concept of a community house – the commitment to work together for the benefit of communities. It just makes absolute sense – it is pragmatic, while innovative.
The model is also working successfully in other parts of the country such as Napier, New Plymouth, Porirua, Christchurch and my home town of Whanganui. In a couple of days time in fact, I will be attending the fifth birthday celebrations of the Napier Community House.
The facility presents a firm foundation for community organisations and will be a resource for years to come benefiting not only those in Palmerston North, but also a wider regional basis encompassing Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua.
It is very much about the way of the future – making connections, building relationships, coming together driven by the needs and priorities of your people. I understand that this is a purpose-built facility – you have placed yourself at the centre of the architecture. It is a fantastic concept – very much like what I consider to be the hallmark of the Whanau Ora approach – placing the people at the centre – and being driven by their aspirations.
There is so much to be said for occupying the same space, philosophically and physically.
In much the same way, being housed in the same space, will enable you all to share conversations and ideas far more readily than if you were in your own separate space – and that has to augur well for your future.
I want to commend you on your vision in basing the building of your new home on green design and principles. In your decision to create a healthier, safer and more efficient environment, you are not just saving the dollars – you’re saving on staff morale and productivity as well.
Lower energy overheads and annual maintenance costs will help to keep your running costs down, and all that means is that you have more resource available to do the mahi.
The major benefit to this state of the art facility however, is really that it models what we understand as Common Unity.
It helps to minimise any sense of isolation you might otherwise feel by bringing a co-ordinated approach to social issues. And of course your greatest resource in achieving Common Unity is the people.
Volunteers will play a key role in the delivery of services and the efficient running of the community house. There has also been strong support from the community, including businesses who contributed advice and expertise.
Finally I want to extend my congratulations because there is an obvious diversity of groups and peoples gathered in this space, including disabled persons organisations, ethnic community groups, housing advocates, amongst the many different needs under one roof.
I know that this facility will quickly become an asset – and I want to mihi to the Council for your ongoing commitment to helping to reduce costs and thereby support the groups located here.
What has occurred here is a true example of the Kia Tutahi Standing Together Relationship Accord in action. On 1 August, the Prime Minister, some community members and I were the first to sign the Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord at Parliament.
It was a celebration of the importance of communities and government working together. The Relationship Accord principles form a platform on which government and communities can build stronger relationships to work better together.
If I could leave one theme with you, it would be to look carefully at the Kia Tutahi principle about reaching out and responding to diversity in our community, including mana whenua and mana Pasifika.
The implementation of the Accord is also an opportunity for communities to get involved and put ideas for building engagement into practice. I invite you to take this opportunity to champion the Accord and use it to benefit all.
As a first step – and in recognition of this auspicious occasion - I invite you all – including the Mayoralty - to sign the Accord today. The Department of Internal Affairs staff members here today can show you what to do and can provide information on how to get involved.
I return to the message inherent in Ko Tane pupuke. Let today be a wonderful celebration of the rising up of the communities of this region – may your ideas and aspirations spring forth and multiply – and let us all look forward to the possibilities they signal for a prosperous future ahead.
Groups move into new $2.2m home
Janine Rankin (Stuff), 2 June 2011
The first of 15 Palmerston North community groups started moving into their new $2.2 million home in King St yesterday after a dawn blessing led by Rangitaane representative Wiremu Te Awe Awe welcoming people to come in and breathe life into the facility.
The Palmerston North City Council put $850,000 into the project, with the balance coming from a range of grants.
The Samaritans were among the first expected to set up shop in their self-contained rooms at the rear of the building.
The rest of the tenants will move in during the next two weeks, ahead of the June 23 formal opening.
City council community services project co-ordinator Peter Grey said it was exciting showing many of the people who would work there around their facilities.
Most of the groups will share common entrances and large communal spaces around their kitchens and facilities, with interview rooms and three meeting rooms available for the tenants and for public hire for training seminars and meetings.
"We want them to mingle," he said.
Mr Grey said contractors working on the building had helped wring the greatest possible value out of the $2.2 million budget.
And the value that would come from the community groups working so closely together as neighbours and colleagues was yet to be realised.
The council has appointed Adrian Turner as co-ordinator for the house for at least the first six months to oversee the setting up of management and systems that would help make the most of the new facility.
Janine Rankin (Stuff), 2 June 2011
The first of 15 Palmerston North community groups started moving into their new $2.2 million home in King St yesterday after a dawn blessing led by Rangitaane representative Wiremu Te Awe Awe welcoming people to come in and breathe life into the facility.
The Palmerston North City Council put $850,000 into the project, with the balance coming from a range of grants.
The Samaritans were among the first expected to set up shop in their self-contained rooms at the rear of the building.
The rest of the tenants will move in during the next two weeks, ahead of the June 23 formal opening.
City council community services project co-ordinator Peter Grey said it was exciting showing many of the people who would work there around their facilities.
Most of the groups will share common entrances and large communal spaces around their kitchens and facilities, with interview rooms and three meeting rooms available for the tenants and for public hire for training seminars and meetings.
"We want them to mingle," he said.
Mr Grey said contractors working on the building had helped wring the greatest possible value out of the $2.2 million budget.
And the value that would come from the community groups working so closely together as neighbours and colleagues was yet to be realised.
The council has appointed Adrian Turner as co-ordinator for the house for at least the first six months to oversee the setting up of management and systems that would help make the most of the new facility.
Community House is nearly set for tenants
Janine Rankin (Stuff), 20 April 2011
Palmerston North's new Community House in King St is due for completion by the end of next month, with tenants able to move in from early June.
Originally planned to be finished in January, the project was delayed while extra money was found to pay for plan changes and additional fitout work for nine of the 15 tenants who will move in.
Palmerston North City Council community services project co-ordinator Peter Grey said the building ended up with a total budget of $2.2 million. Ratepayers put in $850,000.
"The delay was about finding the extra money from a variety of sources so that the tenants could walk straight in and start work."
The council, on behalf of the group of tenants, gained the extra grants from trusts.
Rentals had been set so they would cover the council's ongoing maintenance costs, at less than 50 per cent of commercial rentals.
"It means it's cost-neutral for the ratepayer."
The moving-in date had to be put back for all of the tenants, as they could not occupy the building while it was still a construction zone.
Mr Grey said council staff met with the tenant groups regularly, and they supported the extra work that had gone into the project.
As well as having their own spaces, the groups will share communal facilities including kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms.
The rooms will be available for outside groups to book.
Mr Grey said the tenants were already starting to work together to plan how they and their clients could benefit from being all in one place.
"That's part of the development in the long term. It's about getting them together in a collaborative model, and it's part of our role to keep working with them and other groups to make sure this is a hub for community development."
The council will take the lead in managing the facility, instead of the Community House Trust which advocated for the project.
PREPARING TO MOVE IN
The community groups that will be foundation tenants of Community House are: Brain Injury Central Districts Central Region Advocacy Service Citizens Advice Bureau Community Services Council Disabled Persons Assembly Manawatu Multicultural Council Housing Advice Centre Manawatu Home Budgeting Service Manawatu Tenants Union Manline Parentline PARS (Prisoner Aid) Samaritans Youthline Volunteer Resource Centre – Manawatu and Districts.
Janine Rankin (Stuff), 20 April 2011
Palmerston North's new Community House in King St is due for completion by the end of next month, with tenants able to move in from early June.
Originally planned to be finished in January, the project was delayed while extra money was found to pay for plan changes and additional fitout work for nine of the 15 tenants who will move in.
Palmerston North City Council community services project co-ordinator Peter Grey said the building ended up with a total budget of $2.2 million. Ratepayers put in $850,000.
"The delay was about finding the extra money from a variety of sources so that the tenants could walk straight in and start work."
The council, on behalf of the group of tenants, gained the extra grants from trusts.
Rentals had been set so they would cover the council's ongoing maintenance costs, at less than 50 per cent of commercial rentals.
"It means it's cost-neutral for the ratepayer."
The moving-in date had to be put back for all of the tenants, as they could not occupy the building while it was still a construction zone.
Mr Grey said council staff met with the tenant groups regularly, and they supported the extra work that had gone into the project.
As well as having their own spaces, the groups will share communal facilities including kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms.
The rooms will be available for outside groups to book.
Mr Grey said the tenants were already starting to work together to plan how they and their clients could benefit from being all in one place.
"That's part of the development in the long term. It's about getting them together in a collaborative model, and it's part of our role to keep working with them and other groups to make sure this is a hub for community development."
The council will take the lead in managing the facility, instead of the Community House Trust which advocated for the project.
PREPARING TO MOVE IN
The community groups that will be foundation tenants of Community House are: Brain Injury Central Districts Central Region Advocacy Service Citizens Advice Bureau Community Services Council Disabled Persons Assembly Manawatu Multicultural Council Housing Advice Centre Manawatu Home Budgeting Service Manawatu Tenants Union Manline Parentline PARS (Prisoner Aid) Samaritans Youthline Volunteer Resource Centre – Manawatu and Districts.
Site levelled for Community House project
Grant Miller (Stuff), 25 Feb 2010
Scrap metals have been stripped out, internal walls removed and a roof from the old King St Backpackers' building in Palmerston North has been dismantled.
Demolition of the site started earlier this month and the site should be clear by mid-March – allowing Community House to be built there by the end of the year.
The new centre will be designed to house up to 20 community groups.
Project Work 2008 project manager Bruce Peck said some materials from the old building such as timber would be recycled.
The demolition project was about a third completed, he said.
Palmerston North City Council leisure assets planner Aaron Phillips said bricks would be reused at Pit Park which was formerly a clay pit and then a gravel pit.
Now the council-owned land in Featherston St is gradually being developed into a recreational park.
The bricks could be used for garden edges or paths there.
Physical progress on the Community House project began this year after years of discussion.
The city council had considered refitting the old backpackers' building, but it decided it was better to start anew.
Grant Miller (Stuff), 25 Feb 2010
Scrap metals have been stripped out, internal walls removed and a roof from the old King St Backpackers' building in Palmerston North has been dismantled.
Demolition of the site started earlier this month and the site should be clear by mid-March – allowing Community House to be built there by the end of the year.
The new centre will be designed to house up to 20 community groups.
Project Work 2008 project manager Bruce Peck said some materials from the old building such as timber would be recycled.
The demolition project was about a third completed, he said.
Palmerston North City Council leisure assets planner Aaron Phillips said bricks would be reused at Pit Park which was formerly a clay pit and then a gravel pit.
Now the council-owned land in Featherston St is gradually being developed into a recreational park.
The bricks could be used for garden edges or paths there.
Physical progress on the Community House project began this year after years of discussion.
The city council had considered refitting the old backpackers' building, but it decided it was better to start anew.
