Paekākāriki.nz is calling for fresh energy as it is forced to end its paid editorial position this December.
After three and half dedicated years, Nik Bullard is finishing up in mid December as coordinating editor of the community website and newsletter Paekākāriki.nz.
“Nik has been unstinting in her dedication to supporting community activity and keeping the village informed,” says Mark Amery, Chair of Paekākāriki Informed Community Inc (PICI). “She is such a passionate and empathetic presence in our village, deserving of much thanks.
“The decision has been a difficult one for the managers of PICI who, after six years of funding the editor position, have been forced to pause the position and the fortnightly email newsletter over summer, after running out of funds. This is in other words, community, one of those ‘being level with you about our reality’ stories.
“We’re sorry to have to do this at this time,” Amery adds, “but with consistent voluntary energy behind the scenes from several of us at PICI, we are now calling for fresh energy from the community to help fundraise and manage this role in the future. We’re feeling a little spent.
“We’re proud that subscriptions from supporting local businesses have largely funded this role for six years so far. That’s what we call a sustainable community. The development of this website and its funding was likewise done by a large group in the community, starting 10 years ago, in response to community request.
“We will continue to promote our businesses’ work in return, but are calling for help from the community to help manage this.”
With 260 stories published, 2000 events listed, hundreds of photos taken, 300 Directory of Everything listings, 144 newsletters sent, hundreds of social media posts and one magazine published, all supported by over 50 businesses, it’s time for us to enlist some fresh energy so we can continue this valuable mahi.
The website will continue as a vital resource but PICI will press pause on our email newsletter over the summer.
How can you help?
We are asking for expressions of interest from those who’d like to help manage and/or volunteer. There is an opportunity to grow the income. But you can also help by giving. You can donate here. And if you have a local business join the 50 or more locals who pay for a listing, and we promote. We also have bigger sponsor stories and listings (Elite Arboriculture and Paekākāriki Village Grocery are our current principal sponsors).
If you have an interest in assisting with the future of Paekākāriki.nz, we would love to hear from you! Contact [email protected]
