Community Link pitched solutions to problems affecting local clients at a meeting with a government minister last week.

The local non-profit’s manager Kate Murray, as well as volunteers and trustees, welcomed Louise Upston, who is the minister for social development and employment, the community and voluntary sector, and disability issues.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to raise concerns around the growing demand for food support, heating assistance, and the barriers to accessing public healthcare. 

“We appreciated the chance to share what’s happening on the ground,” Community Link chair Ian Maxwell said. 

“Our community continues to face serious challenges, and it’s essential we explore flexible, locally driven solutions when centralised services fall short.”

Community Link outlined to the minister the impact of the loss of local government social servicing, highlighting particularly the closure of in-person Ministry of Social Development (MSD) appointments, which has left many residents without the support they need or even access to a callback service. 

They put forward a practical local solution - piloting a video clinic from within the Community Link offices to restore access to critical MSD services, and asked that MSD offer a call-back service to the 0800 number.

Another key issue raised was the difficulty in accessing National Travel Assistance (support for the cost of travelling to medical appointments). Many locals are unable to receive the subsidy due to rigid and centralised systems. 

Community Link recommended to the minister that trusted community organisations could manage the process based on existing criteria, with MSD reimbursing the costs.

The minister told the Wānaka App she had had a “really productive meeting” with the Community Link team.

“They undertake very important work for Wānaka locals and I’ve asked MSD officials to look into topics raised,” she said. “Both MSD and I are keen to explore ways the agency can work in new ways with rural and isolated communities.”

“Again, I’d like to acknowledge Kate Murray and the team for their work in the Wānaka community.”