After nearly five years of connecting local families and providing practical support, Our Village is looking forward to its next chapter, with the Lions Club of Helensville coming on board to support its ongoing weekly space.
Based at St. Matthew’s Church Lounge in Helensville, Our Village provides a regular Thursday morning drop-in where parents, caregivers and tamariki can connect, access school uniforms and children’s clothing through koha (donation), use the cloth nappy library and find out about local services and community activities.
“Our Village has always been about the little things that can make a big difference. Sometimes someone needs a uniform item, sometimes they need help connecting with the right service and sometimes they just need a cuppa and a chat,” says founder Kayla Clements.
Over the years, Our Village has worked alongside local organisations and community groups, including South Kaipara Good Food, South Kaipara Clean Ups, Kindred Family Services, Parent Aid, Te Ha Oranga, Citizens Advice Bureau, Helensville Library and St. Matthew’s Church.
The initiative has also supported community events and activities, including Matariki celebrations, community dinners and family-focused initiatives. Our Village also ran a pop-up whânau shop and community hub next to the MSD/WINZ offices, which highlighted the need for accessible, practical support within the community. While the financial and operational pressures made the pop-up unsustainable long-term, Our Village continues to provide support from its regular home at the church lounge.
Our Village is incredibly grateful to Nicky and Harcourts Helensville for almost five years of regular support towards its weekly space.
“Their support has helped us establish and maintain something valuable for local families, and we’re genuinely thankful for the part they’ve played in getting us to where we are today.”
With Harcourts’ regular support concluding in October, the Lions Club of Helensville has agreed to cover the rental costs for the next 12 months, with the arrangement to be reviewed after that period.
Kayla, who has been a Lions member since May 2025, is pleased to see the two community networks come together.
“Our paths have crossed through the wider community for years, and I think there is something really positive about local organisations supporting each other and working together.”
“Our Village isn’t about one organisation doing everything. It’s about connecting people and organisations and making it easier for local families to find the support and resources they need.”
Looking ahead, Our Village welcomes interest from local businesses who may be able to help with morning tea supplies, including tea, coffee, milk and biscuits. Donations of suitable items are also appreciated, along with volunteers who can help sort and organise school uniforms or assist with social media and marketing.
“Our Village is built on community support, and every contribution helps us continue what we do.”
Our Village meets every Thursday, 9.30am–12.30pm, at St. Matthew’s Church Lounge, 60 Garfield Road, Helensville. Everyone is welcome to pop in. Our Village – For every age, every stage, every journey.
Kayla Clements. 0220-392-096 . ourvillagenorthwest@gmail.com
