About

Riverton Community Charitable Trust (Riverton Community House)

It is said that when the stars align things happen. Maybe that was what happened in Riverton in early 1994. At the same time, same day, but in different venues, the Riverton Lions Club and representatives of all the Riverton churches were meeting. Both groups were deeply concerned about our youth, the decline of the meat and fishing industries and the associated businesses and high levels of unemployment in our community. Subsequently, the two groups met together, and they agreed on a model of social service to meet and address the identified needs. It was agreed that a charitable Trust be formed out of the two groups and that the Lions would oversee the raising of the funds and act as guarantor. The first Trust members were Lions members, representatives of churches and the local Runaka. Our initial office was in the council offices, then we moved to the current mail sorting room at the supermarket where we would have a more visible presence in the Community.

It was too visible, and it deterred clients. At some stage, the Plunket nurses’ flat became vacant and available. In consultation with Plunket NZ, the flat was renovated, and it has been our base for 25 years. Original Trustees were Joyce Carmichael, David Fraser, Janice Templeton, Graham Allison, Nola Stuart, Megan Templeton, Wendy Bates, Wayne Soper, Jane Davis and Des Templeton.

Now in 2023, we face similar and new challenges.