Community comes together in a time of grief
The Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Moana continue to grieve after devastating landslides, but the region is also finding strength in gathering and support. In central Mount Maunganui, a former cinema building has been repurposed to become He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre, a dedicated space for those who have lost loved ones and for residents navigating the emotional aftermath of the disaster.
What the care centre offers
The He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre is designed as a multifaceted hub for grief, practical help, and connection. Staff and volunteers are coordinating services that include counseling referrals, peer support groups, information on financial and housing aid, and spaces for quiet reflection. The centre also provides children’s support resources, recognizing that young people affected by the landslides may need age-appropriate guidance and companionship during a difficult period.
Emotional and practical support
Staff emphasize that healing after a tragedy is not linear. They encourage attendees to access professional counseling, attend group conversations, or simply stay in a safe space where they can share memories or concerns. In addition to therapy, the centre offers practical support such as connecting people with social services, helping families file for entitlements, and guiding them through the logistics that follow a disaster—like temporary housing options and community-led relief efforts.
A space for families and communities
Beyond individual needs, the centre acts as a community gathering point where neighbours can exchange information, recount stories, and find ways to support one another. Local volunteers have organized memorial activities, remembrance ceremonies, and child-friendly events that acknowledge grief while fostering resilience. The centre’s ethos centers on compassion, accessibility, and dignity during a period that tests the strength of the Bay of Plenty community.
Why this centre matters now
In the wake of a natural disaster, the social fabric of a community can fray. A dedicated care centre helps prevent isolation by providing reliable, welcoming access to resources and empathetic listening. For residents of Mount Maunganui and surrounding areas, the centre fills a critical gap—offering a centralized location where people can obtain information, ask questions, and receive support without navigating multiple agencies.
Community voices and responses
Local leaders, volunteers, and residents have welcomed the centre as a practical and compassionate response to loss. By giving people a place to connect, the centre also supports the broader recovery effort, reinforcing that healing is both a personal journey and a collective process. As teams continue to assess the damage from the landslides, the care centre remains a steadfast beacon for those seeking guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging in a time of shared sorrow.
Looking ahead
While the immediate need is for grief support and information, the centre is also planning ongoing programs focused on mental health awareness, resilience trainings for families, and coordination with schools and workplaces to address the ripple effects of the disaster. The community is urged to participate in upcoming seminars, volunteer drives, and remembrance events, underscoring a collective commitment to healing and rebuilding with care and respect.
