Report: Katikati U3A 8 May 2024 general meeting

At the Katikati U3A general meeting Carole Parker from the Katikati Abbeyfields Trust gave an update on the building target to house 14 over 65 year olds. Each resident would have a self contained room, own front door and a paid housekeeper providing lunch and dinner. The Trust’s application for a grant from the Affordable Housing Fund has been successful. The very good news is that the building team have met for the first time and a project manager appointed. Further fund raising community events are planned including Jo Carrol, NZ Gardener editor, speaking at an afternoon tea at the Waihi Beach RSA.

The main speaker at the May meeting was Don Allan-Gordon, regional manager for the Graeme Dingle Foundation. The very active Foundation provides
programmes that focus on young people and youth encouraging the development of confidence, direction and purpose in life. This is achieved with in-school
programmes, peer support and for older students, mentorship.  Within one of Tauranga’s participating colleges there has been a noticeable reduction in bad behaviour and bullying Infometrics, the economic consultancy firm, have evaluated the economic returns of the Foundations programmes to society. For every dollar invested there is a return of $10:50. This is an amazing social investment for both young people and society.

Report prepared by Marjorie Squire, U3A Katikati