Behind every good event, is a great group of people. The Chatter talked to Te Kauwhata’s Community Events Committee about what goes on behind the scenes.
What does the Committee do?
It was set up many years ago, to mastermind events like Anzac Day and the Christmas Parade along with other events during the year. For some years now the Community Events Committee has assisted in running the entertainment side of the annual A&P Show in December.
As an Incorporated Society, TKCE can apply for funding, and it also works in association with the Te Kauwhata Community Committee, which is the local committee liaising with the Council.
Because a number of members are on both Te Kauwhata Community Events committee and the Te Kauwhata A&P Association committee, meetings are held on the same night and run in parallel.
Sounds like a lot of work?
Not really, there are obviously peak times when you might have more to do- up to seven hours a month, but mostly just a couple of hours a month keeps things ticking along. Also, the Lions help a lot and we are very appreciative of their on-going support along with that of Te Kauwhata Community Patrol.
Are you looking for more people -and what would they actually do?
We’re always keen to have new people join us. It’s not as scary as it might sound as we all pitch in and the tasks themselves are not that onerous. It’s more a matter of working alongside others at meetings and having input. If you’ve got an idea, we’d like to hear it. And, then when we get to events, it might be talking to potential stall holders or making phone calls.
On the day, we all tend to help as required, which is the fun part seeing all the planning come to life. Really it’s just ‘regular folk’ with average health and fitness and keen to get involved with the community. It’s a really good way to dive in and get to know people.
Any specific skills needed?
Not really, although like any committee we are thinking of succession planning especially around basic book-keeping and leadership. Do you prefer to work in the background with paperwork and documents? Are you creative with a flair for posters and Facebook posts? Are you keen to work with entertainers and ride providers? Do you enjoy the food providers and stalls at the Christmas Parade and the A & P Show? Have you got some good ideas about new activities or attractions that you would like to see at our Events?
We would love to have you on the team. And we’re keen to hear from any student leaders who might be interested; it would be good to have a youth perspective towards making Te Kauwhata’s events even better!
How do people get in touch?
Firstly, we have the AGMs of both Te Kauwhata Community Events Committee and Te Kauwhata A&P Association on Monday May 11 at St Andrews Church Hall at 7.30pm. Come and meet us then, or email [email protected] or [email protected]
