2024 Annual Report

With housing insecurity and the rising cost of living causing significant hardship, the last year has been challenging for the individuals and families with whom CMM works.

The Mission addresses these challenges by employing dedicated, highly skilled staff who put our values into practice. The Board hears about this work at every meeting and is always impressed by its breadth and impact.

Highlights this year include CMM’s housing work with eleven new homes for families completed in Blenheim and Christchurch, and fourteen for older people being built in Wesley Village.  

It has been inspiring to partner with parishes to provide housing. Some, such as Christchurch South Methodist Parish, have made land available for new social housing. Others, such as the Greymouth Uniting Parish, have offered housing to CMM to make available to families.  

Alongside this, the Board is proud of the life changing work of CMM’s teams in their support of families and children with complex needs, those experiencing homelessness, people wanting budgeting help and those who are isolated and seeking belonging in their communities.  

At WesleyCare, staff continue to offer high quality care. Government funding for aged care has been inadequate for some years and many small providers are closing. This leaves older New Zealanders who lack financial assets at risk. We are aware of the financial pressures many face and we ensure that WesleyCare room charges are as affordable as possible. It is always good to hear of the dedication of WesleyCare staff and of the management team who set the culture of welcome there.

Mission staff are supported by many people who make this impressive work possible. Executive Director, Jill Hawkey, leads CMM with clear-sighted skill and commitment, my fellow Board members give generously of their time and expertise, our volunteers and donors make a real difference in what we are able to offer.  To all of them, I extend my deep appreciation and thanks.

This year, our supporters’ generosity has enabled CMM to respond to households struggling with the cost of living in Canterbury, Blenheim, Nelson and the West Coast.

Our Family Support Fund, created by a significant grant from the Methodist Women’s Fellowship a number of years ago, continues to support families when extraordinary costs arise.

We have received major housing grants from the Methodist Church’s Social Housing Fund and individual donors, allowing us to build social housing in Christchurch and Blenheim. An offer of land by Christchurch South Methodist Parish epitomises the Methodist Conference decision for parishes with underutilised land to consider this for social housing. The Parish has leased its land to CMM, we have built five new family homes there and will manage the tenancies.

Other partnerships are also flourishing. At Housing First, the new Health Clinic (with the Roger Wright Centre) and the Labour Pool (with Te Whare Roimata) offer healthcare and meaningful activity for those who have been long-term homeless. The Community Development Team’s Recreate, a clothing ‘swap and mend’ event, connects expert volunteers and community members. And the new Tautoko Hauora Service, funded by Pegasus Health, supports people to access GP and other health services.

CMM’s staff are committed to professional practice, including increasing their knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and te reo Māori. Workshops, regular te reo lessons, karakia and waiata are growing parts of CMM’s culture.

CMM is in a strong financial position, with surpluses from our housing initiatives invested in the building of new social housing.

I am fortunate to be supported by an experienced, knowledgable senior Management Team, talented team leaders and a strong, committed Board. So many individuals, groups, parishes, philanthropic organisations and Government agencies have enabled CMM’s work to flourish.

My thanks to you all.