Researchers from the Centre for Neuroendocrinology (CNE) are actively engaging with the local community by volunteering at Pātaka Ora, a holistic community initiative based at Araiteuru Marae, 24 Shetland Street, Dunedin. This initiative, established in 2022, aims to provide life-enhancing opportunities that weave and strengthen the bonds within the community.
Pātaka Ora - A Community Hub
Pātaka Ora at Araiteuru Marae offers a safe and welcoming space where food is shared, and people from all walks of life can come together. The initiative is volunteer-run, with practical resources and funds donated by sponsors. It provides a platform for various activities, including food preparation, entertainment, education, and learning opportunities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
CNE’s Involvement
L-R: Caroline Decourt, Joon Kim, and Greg Anderson volunteering at the Pātaka Ora kitchen 2024
Since early 2024, every Monday during school terms, CNE members have been dedicating their time and skills to support Pātaka Ora. Their engagement includes:
- Committee Roles: Dr Teodora Georgescu (Treasurer), Dr Joe Yip and Dr Caroline Decourt (Volunteer Coordinators), and Professor Greg Anderson (General Committee Member)
- Volunteer Work: CNE members help with food preparation, serving, and cleaning
- Fundraising: Securing funds through BMS Impact and Engagement Funding 2024, the British Society of Neuroendocrinology Outreach and Public Engagement Fund, and the Dunedin Marathon Fundraising (see below)
- Educational Outreach: Planning Talking Library sessions to share neuroscience knowledge in 2025
Pātaka Ora Fundraising Marathon 2024
To further support Pātaka Ora, a team of runners participated in the Dunedin Marathon on 15 September 2024, raising funds for the initiative. The team included:
- Half Marathon: Teodora Georgescu, Greg Anderson
- 10km Run: Celine Camon, Andrew Lee, Andy Stewart, Shushanth Yadhav
- 5km Run & Walk: Joe, Caroline Decourt, Luis Lim
The funds raised will be used for hiring the space, covering power and gas costs, and purchasing food items, kitchen equipment, and cleaning supplies as needed.
- Read news coverage of the initiative on the ODT website
- Visit the Givealittle fundraising page to make a donation
These efforts highlight the CNE’s commitment to fostering community engagement and support through volunteerism and educational outreach, strengthening the bonds within the Dunedin community.