taieri-network-newsletter-november-2025

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

NOVEMBER 2025

From the Community Connector

Kia ora,

I can not contain my excitiment!

A very warm welcome to Jean Bonner, Taieri Network's new Community Connector!

Jean has a genuine passion for helping people connect and thrive within our community. A lifelong Taieri local, Jean brings deep community knowledge, strong connections, and a wide range of skills. Her background in teaching is an asset helping her engage and support people of all ages.

To ensure a seamless transition, Jean will work alongside me (Teresa), for a few weeks until Christmas.

As our new Community Connector, Jean will be out and about across the Taieri — listening, linking, and supporting local initiatives that help make this such a great place to live.

If you see Jean around, be sure to say hello — she’s looking forward to meeting you and hearing what matters most to our community.

Final words from Teresa ...
Looking back over November, it's be a season of change. Trying to plan for 2026 and being mindful of the new Community Connector coming on board has been fun. We try to plan six months out so that it allows time to apply for grants and organise logistics. As a result I have tried to loosely plan things so it allows for some flexibility in service.

This also means that to be responsive to community needs we also need to be able to respond quickly sometimes, so it's always a balance.

Taieri Network had a great time at the Silverstream School Plant Sale. Attending events like this is a great way to meet people, chat about what's relevant to them in the community, mull over ideas, share about services and programmes in Taieri, discover new groups and share about what Taieri Network does.

I had the pleasure of speaking at Mosgiel Rotary, attending the Operatunity performance, and learnt more about the amazing event EquiSouth (a two-day event that celebrates everything related to horses, featuring educational sessions, competitions, shopping, and so much more! Big congrats to Shanla Bell & Lee-Anne McAuliffe for pulling off such a great event.

At my final Taieri Network Board I reflected ...

"I would like to thank you all for your mahi and support of me in my role and for
Taieri Network as an organisation. Words can not express how grateful I am. The
personal growth and confidence I have gained in this role with your support is
mind blowing. I will miss being part of a proactive, future changing, forging
forward, dynamic organisation, where people come first.
I have enjoyed learning on the job and gained wisdom from you all in so many
spheres within the community development space."

And the same goes for all of you whom I have interacted with, connected with, laughed with and cried with. The Taieri is loaded with sooo many amazing people, some who have experienced such adversity and hardship but yet continue to shine bright. Thank you for your support as a community and for your willingness to roll up your sleeves and just get stuff done.

A special mention to Taieri Network's volunteers - awesome people who give so much and who help with the strangest of requests from me at times. Thank you for your time, willingness and making Taieri Network's mahi have greater impact.

So with a bit of sadness (leaving Mosgiel), and a bit of excitement in handing over to Jean and moving to Cromwell, I will watch from afar the awesome things that will continue to happen within the community and want to wish you all a safe and happy festive season.

Ka kite, see you!

PS... the photo below is a chance encounter of Taieri Network's Community Connectors past and present in the same room! We had some good laughs taking this picture 🤣

Photo description (left to right): Leisa de Klerk, Jean Bonner & Teresa Christie

The annual Mosgiel Food Bank drive is coming up. If you are able, please add a couple of extra items to this weeks grocery shop and leave them out at your gate Monday the 1st December before 6pm for collection.

If you are unable to leave your items out on Monday, you can drop them into the Property Brokers office at 125a Gordon Road.What the Foodbank is in need of and currently welcomes:

Non-perishable food items — tins, pasta, rice, cereal, etc.
Toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste
Cleaning/laundry/sanitary products
Everyday essentials / basic grocery items
Monetary donations — to help purchase specific items and respond to urgent need.

Together, we’re showing what community spirit on the Taieri looks like!

Seeking Volunteers

Putting a call out for volunteers... if you can spare and hour or two please get in contact.

Mosgiel Foodbank Drive: The annual Foodbank drive will be held on Monday 1st December. They are expecting even more donations than last year, so that means they need more volunteers to help with the sorting of the donations.

Sorting will be done in two venues this year - Foodbank in Wickliffe Street and Mosgiel Presbyterian Church, 11 Church St, Mosgiel (behind Mitre 10).

If you are keen to help, just turn up at either venue from 6.30pm and stay as long as you can. All help will be much appreciated.

A Very Taieri Christmas: Friday 5th December 5pm - 9pm. This community event takes a lot of organising so if you can spare an hour or two, we are seeking volunteers for the following roles ...

🎄 Event Setup & Packdown

🎄 Welcoming Visitors

🎄 Santa’s Grotto Helper

🎄 Activity & Entertainment Support

🎄 Waste & Recycling

Christmas Lights Bus Tours: various dates from 8.40pm - 10.15pm

13th December - 1 volunteer required

16th December - 1 volunteer required

20th December - 3 volunteers required

21st December - 4 volunteers required

More details about dates/times and roles available

A Very Taieri Christmas

An annual celebration designed to bring together local families, businesses and community groups for the festive season.

If you have planned a Christmas event or activity, we would love to help promote it. Please contact Taieri Network to discuss.

Community Christmas Tree - Tues 2nd December

We are grateful for the volunteers and businesses that contribute to making this process run smoothly.

🎄Fairfield Transport moves the shipping container into place

🎄Mosgiel Volunteer Fire Brigade are taking on the task of putting up the tree and taking it down

🎄 ProPower wire up the lights bringing the tree to life

🎄 Chevron Traffic Services - traffic management

🎄 Mosgiel Rotary Club - they have been doing some much needed maintenance of the tree (more to do next year!)

Community Christmas Lights Display Competition

Are you decorating for Christmas?

Enter here before the 12th December.

Add your home to the map and be in to win: 1st prize - $500 cash, runner up - $100, thanks to Shoz Wheeler, Property Brokers.

When you are ready, add your house to the map at bit.ly/taierixmas.

The best two houses will be chosen by the 17th December, then uploaded onto Facebook for the community to vote!

Printed maps will be at the Taieri Network office from 14th Dec onwards.

A Very Taieri Xmas Evening: Friday 5th December 2025, 5pm - 9pm

Join us for a festive evening in Gordon Road, Mosgiel!

Get into the holiday spirit as local retailers stay open late, offering incredible in-store specials.

To make the night even merrier, we’ll have:

Live Entertainment showcasing local talent
Food Trucks & Stalls with delicious treats
Face Painting
Santa's Grotto – bring the kids for a free Christmas photo with Santa!

Live Entertainment: Friday 5th December 2025, 5pm - 9pm

Join us in Anzac Park, Gordon Road, Mosgiel!

5pm - 7pm Pippity Pop Balloons

5.30pm Taieri College Choir

6.00pm Rainbow Rosalind

6.30pm Rhythmix Choir

7.00pm Dunedin Folk Club

... more to come

Santa's Grotto - get your free family Santa photos taken at Taieri Network, 176 Gordon Rd, Mosgiel from 5pm - 9pm, Friday 5th December, 2025.

The photos will then be uploaded to A Very Taieri Christmas Facebook page so you can download them for free to give to family and friends.

Christmas Light Displays Heritage Bus Tours

Step back in time as you travel the streets of Mosgiel viewing the Christmas Lights in an Otago Heritage Bus.

Bus Tour Dates (9pm - 10.15pm): click on the date below to order and pay for your tickets below...

13th December

16th December

20th December

21st December (yet to be released)

Tickets are $8.10 per person (under 5yrs* are free), so click on the date for the link to order your tickets. Leaving promptly at 9pm from the Mosgiel Scout Hall (beside the Taieri Rugby Club), 33 Reid Ave, Mosgiel unless otherwise specified.

*Under 5yrs: if you require a seat for your little person contact Jean at [email protected].

Provide your name and email address and we will issue a complimentary ticket to ensure your child gets a seat

Our Funders and Supporters ... THANK YOU💚

Dunedin City Council, Shoz Wheeler of Property Brokers, Positive Signs + Print, ProPower, Taieri Altrusa, Otago Community Trust, Mosgiel Taieri Community Board, Dunedin Grand Casino Charitable Trust & Grassroots Trust.

To our live entertainers - thanks for sharing your talent with us! We appreciate you and your gifts.

What to know more? Click here

Business: Watt Tinting

Your Local Glass Tinting Experts

Watt Tinting is run by husband-and-wife team Matt and Holly Watt who moved to Mosgiel nine years ago. After noticing an opportunity in the market Matt established the business from their family home in Woodland Avenue just three years ago.

With over 13 years of experience in window tinting and 15 years in the glass industry, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to every job. He’s passionate about his craft — and about serving the wider Otago and Southland community.

Window tinting became popular in the 1980s as people sought a cleaner, more modern alternative to net curtains. Today, it’s valued not just for style but for function — offering privacy, UV protection, glare and heat reduction, and even thermal improvement.

Watt Tinting offers a range of over 80 different films, tailored to suit every need — whether you’re looking to keep your home cool, protect furnishings from fading, or enjoy more privacy without sacrificing light. As modern sections become smaller and homes closer together, window tinting provides a smart way to maintain both comfort and openness.

Matt works with all types of glass, providing both residential and vehicle tinting services. He offers site visits, measure and quotes, and professional installation — with results that customers love. Tinted glass can instantly modernise a home, reduce the need for curtains, and help regulate room temperature — improving both comfort and street appeal.

Holly manages administration and marketing, keeping the business running smoothly behind the scenes. Together, Matt and Holly take pride in providing a friendly, reliable, and high-quality local service.

Watt Tinting services a wide area including Bluff, Queenstown, Wānaka, Dunedin, and Oamaru. Over the past three years, the business has grown steadily as more people discover the lasting benefits of tinted glass — and with new film technology constantly evolving, the results are better than ever.

Watt Tinting is open over the Christmas/New Year period, just closing for the stat days.

Have questions? Want to know more? Give Matt a call on 021 915 527, or click below to send him an email.

Contact Matt for a Free Quote

Steady As You Go

Celebrating 20 Years in Mosgiel

This year marks an incredible milestone for the Mosgiel Friday morning Steady As You Go© class — 20 years of movement, connection, and community! For two decades, this group has supported local older adults to stay active, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls, all while building lasting friendships.

Falls prevention isn’t just about exercise — it’s about confidence, connection, and keeping independence for longer.

Otago Community Trust

What Matters Most to You?

gif-c2-e3qggq-what-matters-most-2025-10-21-045249

Otago Community Trust (OCT) would like to warmly invite community members, organisations, and groups across our rohe to share what matters most to them. Your voice will help us refresh our strategy so we can best support Otago communities in the years ahead.

We’re hosting a series of community hui across the region over throughout end of October, November and beginning of December. These will be relaxed, inclusive sessions with a focus on kōrero, kai, and connection and will give you an opportunity to share what’s important in your community, and what role OCT could play.

We are holding two hui in the Dunedin area:

Tuesday 25^th November 6pm – 8pm: Naylor Love Lounge, Edgar Centre
Wednesday 26^th November 5.30pm – 7.30pm: Keith Willis room, Mosgiel Coronation Hall

Light refreshments will be provided. Please click the link below to RSVP for the workshop you wish to attend:

He aha te mea nui? What matters most, Otago? : Otago Community Trust

If you can’t make it to a hui, you can still have your say by completing our short online survey, or by attending an online hui. The online hui are on Mondays 10^th and 17^th November 12pm – 1pm:

Register for the online hui or take the survey (links below).

Whether you’re attending on behalf of an organisation or as an individual, your perspective is important and will help us to support Otago’s future.

Register for In Person MOSGIEL Hui

Register for In Person DUNEDIN Hui

Register for the ONLINE Hui

Take the SURVEY Here

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Karilyn Canton, a proud Taieri local and one of New Zealand’s most experienced and specialised local government lawyers, who has been named a winner of the prestigious NZ Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award.

As leader of the award-winning Dunedin City Council legal team (recognized as the 2023 ILANZ Public Sector In-House Legal Team of the Year), Karilyn has played a pivotal role in almost every major Council initiative over the past decade. Her work includes advising on the purchase of Foulden Maar, a globally significant paleontological site containing 23 million years of climate data and fossils.

Known for her integrity, strategic thinking, and calm, clear advice under pressure, Karilyn is widely respected across the Council and the legal community. Her recognition reflects not only her personal excellence but also her commitment to ethical leadership, collaboration, and advancing equity within the legal profession.

“I am very lucky to have such a talented group of people around me. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Thank You to Our Funders

Taieri Network’s mahi (work) relies on philanthropic funding, and we are continually exploring ways to secure financial support for the services and events we provide. These initiatives add real value to what already exists within our unique Taieri community — strengthening individual wellbeing, community resilience, business sustainability, shared spaces and facilities, and environmental sustainability efforts.

We extend our thanks to the Otago Community Trust and Grassroots Trust for their recent grant support.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Chevron Traffic Services, who have generously supported A Very Taieri Christmas by providing traffic management while the community Christmas tree is being put up and taken down. Their commitment to giving back is clearly reflected in the support they show to many worthy community organisations.

Do You Work With Volunteers?

Check out Volunteer South - they connect community organisations with skilled and motivated individuals, providing the platforms, resources, advice, advocacy and recognition needed to maximise the benefits of volunteering.

As an organisation you can register and recruit volunteers through their portal by posting up volunteer roles. Check out what volunteer roles are on offer here.

Head to thier Events page for training, events and registration links.

Emergency Volunteering - Volunteer South maintains a database of people who are happy to be contacted for assistance in the event of an emergency.

Dunedin Public Libraries

Public Libraries New Zealand (PLNZ) nationwide survey

Public Libraries New Zealand (PLNZ) is running a nationwide survey, 28 October – 5 December 2025, to help public libraries better understand what you value most about the services and activities they offer. If you can spare 5 minutes to take the survey it would be much appreciated, as it would be great to have a strong Dunedin representation in the results.

Take the Survey Here

Whare Flat Folk Festival

30 Dec - 3 Jan

Celebrating cultural identity; the stories and music that are part of who we are

Set amid native bush in the idyllic setting of Waiora Scout Camp near Dunedin, Whare Flat is a place where the ancient strains of Celtic music may be heard alongside local waiata, American old-time and bluegrass, as well as a wealth of other folk music from all around the world.

Left: Yujing Cui. Right: Triske

View All Guest Artists

Whats on offer? Bar singing, jams and sing arounds, kids programme, festival choir, festival orchestra, workshops, dance ... the list goes on.

Buy Tickets

Blueprint for Learning

Mental Health Workshops

The need for mental health knowledge is only rising. As part of our commitment to enhancing mental health literacy across Aotearoa, Blueprint for Learning offers over 250 workshops annually. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools and insights to support mental wellbeing. Check out all courses at https://www.blueprint.co.nz/#w...

Leading Wellbeing at Work

Leading Wellbeing at Work will help new or experienced managers, and aspiring leaders to build healthy teams from the ground up. the workshop guides you on how to minimise risk to psychosocial safety, promote resilience, and respond appropriately to distress in the workplace. You’ll get practical advice and wellness tips for you and your team members, plus templates for action plans to help manage situations that may arise.

In person (full day) or online (3 sessions):

Wednesday 11 February 2026, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday 12 February 2026, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Friday 13 February 2026, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Participants are expected to attend all three sessions.

Investment: $395.00 + GST per person

Register Here

Rural MH101

One in four New Zealanders have a physical, sensory, learning, mental health or other disability.

Ātea will help you better understand impairment and disability, identify barriers that disabled people may encounter and how to minimise these and ensure disabled people are included in everyday situations.

The workshop is relevant to anyone who interacts with disabled people in their work, community or personal life. It will give you the knowledge and confidence to remove barriers and provide better services and experiences for disabled people.

Participants are expected to attend both sessions.

3 & 4 December 2025, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Investment: $395.00 + GST per person
18 & 20 February 2026, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Investment: $395.00 + GST per person
Friday 29 & 30 April 2026, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Investment: $395.00 + GST per person

Register Here

Mosgiel Christmas Giving Tree

The Taieri Rotary Club is once again running the Mosgiel Giving Tree, helping bring Christmas cheer to children on the Taieri and surrounding suburbs, who may otherwise go without. A little can go a long way, and this is something we would love to see our community get behind.

How to get involved

Pick up a card (and optional brown gift bag) from ANZ Mosgiel
Purchase a gift suited to the age/gender shown on the card. Paperplus Mosgiel are kindly offering 10% off full retail purchases when you present your card.
Drop your gift under the tree at the ANZ Mosgiel by 4.30pm, Friday 12 December 2025 or contact Alana/Susan at Bayleys to collect.

It’s a simple act that can make a world of difference to someone this Christmas.

This Taieri Rotary Club project is supported by Community Food Bank Mosgiel, ANZ Mosgiel, Paperplus Mosgiel, Bettercreative and Susan Wyngaarden-Low & Alana Tamakehu/ Bayleys

Knox Podiatry Celebrating

Celebrating 12 Years of Knox PoAiatry in Mosgiel!
Knox Podiatry is celebrating 12 years of service. Over the years, their experienced team has become well known for providing high-quality foot care, including routine podiatry, diabetic foot checks, nail and skin treatments, orthotics, and support for sports and mobility-related concerns.

With locations across Otago in Alexandra, Balclutha, Lawrence, Milton and Mosgiel, their commitment to helping locals stay comfortable, active, and confident has made them a trusted part of the community.

Congratulations to owner Ian Fincett and the Knox Podiatry team on this fantastic milestone!

Follow Facebook for updates and special offers, or check out their website.

Outram Pool - Open for the Summer

The Outram Pool is now officially open for the summer season, offering a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment. Located on the Outram School grounds, the pool is a much-loved local facility—especially popular with families with younger children. Visitors can also enjoy the school’s playgrounds and make use of the grounds for biking and scootering, making it an ideal destination for a full afternoon of fun.

Season Access

The pool operates annually from October through to early April and is available exclusively to season keyholders. Keyholders do not need to be Outram residents - anyone is welcome to purchase access.

Season Key Details:

Total Cost: $90

$70 season fee

$20 one-off key fob fee

Key fobs are reusable each year; returning keyholders only pay the season fee.

Keys can be purchased from the Outram School office during school hours—please see Carolyn for assistance.

Please note: Each key is registered to a single family, and only registered keyholders may use the pool.

Pool Bookings

The pool is available for private birthday party bookings at a cost of $60 for two hours. During these bookings, the pool is closed to the public.
To make a booking, please contact the https://www.facebook.com/outra... team via Facebook Messenger.

Fundraising for a New Pool Roof

The Pool Committee has begun fundraising efforts to raise $40,000 for a new roof. Our first event (a community Bingo night), was a great success, thanks to the generous support of local residents. Additional fundraising initiatives are currently being planned and will be advertised on our Facebook page.

Stay Connected

For updates on pool operations, events, or fundraising activities, follow Outram Pool on Facebook and click “Like” to stay informed.

We look forward to welcoming you to the pool this season.
– The Pool Committee

Events Coming Up

We are looking for gifts for Newborn though to age 18 for both male and females.

Gifts are to be new and unwrapped please, we are unable to accept toy guns, army or warfare toys and spray deodorants. Our drop points this year are as follows:

Dunedin Central Whitcoulls - 143 George street Procter Auctions - 922 George street Wesley Jones Law - Bracken Court, 480 Moray PlaceDunedin South Property Brokers - 21 Macandrew Road Green Island Flex Fitness - 20 main Road Mosgiel Property Brokers - 125 Gordon Road.

Gift Ideas Here

Santa is coming to Mosgiel Central Kindergarten!
Proceeds from this fundraiser will be going towards adding padding around the swing frame poles at the Kindergarten.

Santa will be available from 9am - 3pm, with pet friendly hours from 9am - 10am and 1pm - 2pm.