Christchurch Residential Care

Embracing Community and Connection

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:45:47 GMT

Hard to believe we are already in March! With summer giving us a bit of a mixed bag, the year has certainly started off with a bang for us here at CRC. We’ve been keeping busy, with plenty of exciting events and celebrations to share - and we’re only two months in!

Getting out and about around the motu

Mauri tū, mauri ora — An active soul is a healthy soul

Some of our people recently enjoyed a fishing trip to Tekapo. While the fish weren’t exactly

cooperating, the company and good times more than made up for it.

Others took the opportunity to explore the beauty of Akaroa, while a few attended the Hot Rodders Breakfast at McLeans Island Kustom Car Club—an event filled with classic cars, great conversations, and shared passions.

Whakanui i te Aroha – Celebrating Love

We’re incredibly privileged to announce that one of our Supported Living Staff, Kaitlyn, celebrated her wedding to her Leo on Valentine’s Day, becoming Mrs. Kendrick.

Kaitlyn, you looked absolutely radiant, and Leo, you’ve got yourself a good one! We wish you both all the happiness in the world as you begin this next chapter together.

Mā te ngākau aroha koe e ārahi — Let a loving heart guide your decisions.

The happy couple, Kaitlyn and Leo

Te Matatini 2025 – A Celebration of Māori Excellence

Did you catch any of the Te Matatini Festival? What an incredible showcase of Māori

Performing Arts! Huge congratulations to Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, the overall

winners. The passion, skill, and mana displayed by every rōpū was truly awe-inspiring.

This event continues to bring together people from all backgrounds, highlighting the strength of

culture and unity.

The champions of Te Matatini, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue.

Meet Mia & Louis – Our Therapy Dogs

Next time you’re in the neighbourhood, pop into our office and say hello to our two therapy dogs, Mia and Louis.

These two lovable companions are always up for pats and cuddles, and they have an incredible sense of knowing when someone needs a little extra comfort. How could anyone resist those adorable faces?

Mia and Louis, always ready to provide company and a cuddle!

Stay Connected

For the latest updates, upcoming events, and happenings around our wonderful city, be sure to follow our Facebook page .

“A Journey Starts With A Single Step – He Waka Eke Noa, we are all in this together.”

— Annie

Looking back on 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:54:53 GMT

2024 has been an exciting year at CRC, with plenty to look back on and celebrate. We welcomed new staff and said goodbye to other members of the CRC whānau, wishing them all the best for their next journey.

One highlight of our year was being awarded the Coca-Cola community award for the work that our team does, supporting our people out in the community. This award belongs to you, too; our work wouldn’t be possible without our wider community, and we want to take this time to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your ongoing support throughout 2024.

He aroha whakatõ, he aroha puta mai — If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.

Our awesome team with some refreshing rewards from Coca-Cola

Getting into the holiday spirit

We held an end-of-year party at our office, which was a chance for our people to get together and celebrate. Those that chose to attend definitely got into the Christmas spirit, and a great time was had by all!

Another great year for the CRC Friendship Group

The CRC Friendship Group has had another successful year, full of new experiences and enriching personal connections.

Nina and the team have led a range of exciting expeditions and activities, including:

Trips to the Groynes and the Botanic Gardens
Friendly competition over mini-golf, bowls, and soccer
Bonding over shared kai and waiata
Making wonderful arts and crafts creations, including learning harakeke weaving

Enjoying minigolf at Glowtopia

Learning new skills during our harakeke weaving activity

 Celebrations within our CRC whānau

Congratulations to Bryce Flanagan, Les Millen and Sue Carey on reaching some very impressive service milestones in 2024! Les and Sue have both been part of the CRC whānau for 15 years, and Bryce has recently celebrated his 10-year CRC anniversary.

This is a fantastic achievement from these individuals, and we want to take the time to thank them for their service and acknowledge the incredible work they do with the people in our care. We are so very fortunate to have you.

Sue Carey, Les Millen and Bryce Flanagan

A huge congratulations is also due to Dr Monique Clarke and Olivia Mcintyre on their educational achievements this year - we’re so pleased to let everyone know that these two amazing individuals have completed their degrees while they worked for CRC. It is always a privilege to support our team’s ongoing education, and these wahine have worked so hard to achieve their goals.

Monique gained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology and Olivia completed a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. Well done, Monique and Olivia - we couldn’t be prouder of you both.

Dr Monique Clarke and Olivia Mcintyre

Our hours over the holidays

Our office will be closed from midday 24th December, and will be closed on the stat days (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and January 2nd). We will have a skeleton staff at the office on the days between the stat days, and will reopen fully on January 6th.

In an emergency, please call 03 385 8178 or email anniem@crcltd.co.nz - these will be monitored throughout the holiday period.

A final thought

As we reflect on the year, it feels like an appropriate time to express our appreciation for the relationships we have, and to remember the importance of whānau and of connection. It’s humbling to witness the community we have created together - a community that thrives on Manaakitanga, kindness and respect. May your festive season be filled with joy, love, and meaningful connections with whānau and friends.

You’re always welcome to reach out to us with any questions, feedback, or ideas. For more news and updates, keep in touch with us on Facebook.

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa – Let us keep close together, not far apart.

— Annie

Honouring Te Tumu & Celebrating CRC Success

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 22:03:00 GMT

In this post:
Celebrating achievement, a new pou to honour CRC founder, and our faces on the city buses

Congratulations!

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Adrian Sutton, who has passed NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 through the Open Polytech and Te Pūkenga with the dedicated support of his wonderful tutor Liz Huani.

Your effort and staying power over four years is amazing, Adrian, and we are very proud of you. It goes to show what you can achieve when you put your mind to something. On top of this, Adrian has recently completed his driver’s license. Congratulations!

Special unveiling of our pou whenua

In August we unveiled a pou whenua to celebrate the life of CRC founder and managing director Te Tumu Rolleston, who passed away last year. Carved from a tōtara tree by Alex McLeod, the pou represents Te Tumu’s journey through life – a life that was dedicated to supporting others to lead their own journeys.

The intricate carvings represent stories from Te Tumu’s whānau, which intersect with our whānau at CRC, and reflect the profound contribution he made in supporting the lives of others in our community. Te Tumu’s dedication to working with people flows through the wonderful staff we have and the incredible work they do. As the pou sits on a strong foundation, so too do we, thanks to Te Tumu’s vision and legacy.

It was lovely for our whānau to come together to embrace the pou and honour Te Tumu’s life, with shared kai, stories and a kapahaka performance from Ko-tane.

Catch us on the bus!

Over the next few weeks, you’ll see our vibrant faces gliding around town on the backs of our city buses. Look out for us!

And remember, our door is always open. We’ll always listen, and we can work with you. If you have any questions or concerns, pop in for a cuppa. We are at 15 Worcester Street, opposite the Arts Centre.

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Huge Pumpkins & Major Milestones

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:52:00 GMT

In this Post:

Winners of our Biggest Pumpkin competition, and celebrating CRC whānau members for their long service.

Angus wins The Big Jimmy Award

Angus, Dylan & Josh

Every year, CRC’s horticultural ITO holds a Biggest Pumpkin competition for clients and staff. This year the pumpkins were the biggest ever!

The popular competition is looked forward to each year and it’s all about healthy competition. Everyone enjoys planting the seeds, then seeing the pumpkins grow (and their name, which each participant etched into their pumpkin).

Congratulations to:
Angus – winning a $40 Prezzy card and the Big Jimmy Trophy
Dylan – the Runner-up winning a $30 Warehouse voucher
Adrian, who was third winning a $20 Warehouse voucher

Ka pai, ka mihi ranei – well done!

The pumpkins were grown on CRC’s 10-acre property, where we grow vegetables year-round: providing training and therapy for clients, and supplying fresh, organic vegetables to clients in our residential homes, as well as the local marae and community-based services.

There must be something magic in the soil to grow such big pumpkins! Or maybe it’s because they’re grown amongst so much aroha.

Ngā mihi mui – thank you for your dedication

Anne, Nina F, Shaun, Atlanta & Nina A

A big thank you to Anne, Nina F, Shaun, Atlanta, and Nina A: this year we celebrated their many years of service within the CRC whānau (a combined total of over 65 years!).

“I’m humbled and couldn’t be prouder to work alongside them – they bring so much enthusiasm and passion to their work,” says Annie McNicol – CRC General Manager. “I’ve loved seeing them all grow so much professionally and personally, and seeing their own whānau reach milestones over the years too.”

Learn more about our amazing people:

Anne Witsey – Office Manager (17 years)
The beating heart of CRC! Anne is always wonderfully welcoming and does an absolutely superb job of ensuring the office runs smoothly.

Nina Freeman – Service Manager (10 years)
The wraparound support and time Nina gives her team, is inspirational … As is her passion and incredible personal growth over the years.

Shaun McNicol – Deputy General Manager (10 years)
Well-respected by his colleagues, Shaun has innovative ideas, a calmness and mana beyond his years. And our clients adore him!

Atlanta McIntyre – Service Manager for Supported Living (15 years)
Atlanta leads from the front – her passion and dedication is a driving force behind her dynamic, innovative team which always puts people first.

Nina Andrew – Community Support Worker (17 years)
Nina is always thinking ‘outside the box’ about how we can help our people move forward. She also runs our Friendship Group – a brilliant idea that Nina initiated.

You all embody our Tikanga (values) – we’re very thankful to have such passionate, dynamic and innovative people in the CRC whānau.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourouka ora ai te iwi
With your basket and my basket the people will thrive

Pop in for a warm Winter welcome

In Winter it can be easy to ‘hibernate’ and stay at home, but you’re always welcome to call in for a cheery chat and toasty-warm cuppa, in our lovely villa on Worcester Street, opposite the Arts Centre.

Being in the central city, we’re close to the Bus Exchange and many bus routes.
We’re at 15 Worcester Street and open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday .

We look forward to seeing you.

Until then, hei konā mai – goodbye for now.

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Celebrating & Remembering

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:58:00 GMT

So much has happened in 2023 already!

In this Blog:
CRC now at Worcester St. / Our first Youth Home / Friendship Group / Careerforce / Remembering Te Tumu

Our new whare

Exciting news: CRC is now at 15 Worcester Street, opposite the Arts Centre.

Our foundation remains strong … We are in a lovely historic villa which provides a welcoming, safe and homelike environment. Pop in and see us – we’re open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, for our people to gather, share and talk.

While it was sad to leave Fergusson Ave, our new location being in the central city enables us to be more accessible as we are close to more bus routes and the bus exchange.

(CRC’s phone number, email address and Postal address remain the same.)

CRC Youth Home

We are excited to have opened our first youth home just before Easter which has enabled a young man to return home from Australia to be closer to his whanau.

“We are please to be able to walk alongside him to give him the opportunity to build his independence and create a full, safe life in the community” says CRC General Manager, Annie McNicol.

Friendship Group flourishing

CRC’s monthly friendship group started in 2020, for adults and youths with intellectual disabilities.
Thank you to our wonderful staff who continue to do great work with the group, to help create friendships, offer a wide range of activities and provide skills sessions. The photos here show some of the many activities which have been enriching the group physically, mentally and socially.

Transitioning to Careerforce

Helping people transition to Careerforce* supported training in the health sector, is an example of one of our key values at CRC: whanaungatanga – working together.

“This includes wonderful work by CRC internal Careerforce assessors, Atlanta and Nina,” says Annie McNicol – CRC General Manager. “Congratulations also, to Bryce and Ruth, who have completed their Level 2 Careerforce programme, and Olivia who has also completed her level 3.”

*CRC helps with transitioning to Careerforce supported training on-the-job, for trainees to gain theoretical and practical skills, and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

Remembering Te Tumu

In May, it will be a year since our much-loved Managing Director, Te Tumu Rolleston (Rolly), passed away. Te Tumu was there from the beginning of CRC – embodying our tikanga (values), leading with passion and a deep understanding of our people.

General Manager, Annie McNicol, reflects on the past year: “While it has been undeniably hard without him, we have such a passionate team – dedicated to their work and the people we support, that we’re committed to continuing on the pathway Te Tumu created.”

Thank you Te Tumu, for your legacy of providing support, care and kindness … And for instilling in us that we are a people-centred organisation, based on whānau. Te Waka Eke Noa – we are all in this together.

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Reflections on the year, from our General Manager, Annie

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 22:39:00 GMT

It’s that time of the year when I like to reflect on the year that was. For CRC, it has been one of significant loss and also great growth and celebration.

As reported in our June 2022 blog, we lost a dear friend and treasured taonga and Company Director, Te Tumu Rolleston (also known as Rolly to many). It has been a huge adjustment for us all, and we still feel the emptiness left. But his legacy continues to grow strong. As he once quoted:

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it’s going on when you don’t have the strength.”

-Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, General of the Army of France.

This quote is particularly relevant as CRC enters its 25 ^th year of providing services and support to people in our community. This is no small feat and a credit to Tumu’s memory.

COVID 19

While COVID-19 is still very prominent, it has become our new norm. CRC has continued to support our clients in the best and most caring manner possible – ensuring we gain some sense of normality after a disruptive couple of years.

Continued activities

This year has also seen our clients make great gains in continued training in ITO on the farm, gaining employment, achieving restricted licenses, and experiencing many firsts – such as a trip to the ski fields to go tobogganing, trips to Hanmer Springs, Akaroa and Wellington.

CRC brochure and website

There are several ways that you can get information on our services. You can go through your local Outcome Plan Coordination Agency (NASC) Lifelinks, ACC or Oranga Tamariki. You can also visit our website www.crcltd.co.nz , or you can give us a call on our landline 03 385 8178 or visit us at our office located at 5 Fergusson Ave in Mairehau, Christchurch.

Advocacy

We are happy to connect you with Health and Disability Services, where they can inform you and your whānau how to access and use their services. If you or any whānau would like further information, please contact us so we can assist.

CRC Complaints Policy

From time to time, you or others may feel aggrieved about how your child may have been treated or even how our team has treated you. You may have a complaint that you wish to be heard and addressed.

If there are any issues, we at CRC have a policy with procedures that clearly outline how you or others can lodge any complaints. We want you to feel confident that any complaint is handled with sensitivity, privacy and in a timely reportable manner. There are clear lines of accountability, and every complaint lodged will be dealt with with the utmost care and respect.

There are other independent services available that can also handle any complaints, such as the Health and Disability Advocacy service at www.advocacy.org.nz

Health and Safety

As with any responsible service, we have an able team of Health and Safety representatives throughout the company who take their roles seriously. This team is led by Anne Witsey, our office manager. The role of our health and safety reps is to ensure CRC is current in health and safety practice and can act accordingly with any issues that could affect our clients, staff, and community in any adverse way. This ensures we at CRC can conduct business in the best and safest way possible.

Our CRC Community

Our vege programme continues to provide for our clients. It enables CRC to give back to our community, providing fresh vegetables to communities in need and our local iwi. This year alone, we have sold over 1500 pumpkins.

This year CRC has been able to deliver Christmas gifts to the children at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre thanks to the kind donations of staff.

CRC has opened two new homes – expanded our Supported Independent Living services with the guidance of Atlanta, and doubled our staffing in the past 12 months.

CRC also runs a friendship group each month. This is led by one of our members of staff, Nina Andrew. Nina organises different activities and guest speakers throughout the year. It has been great to see this group expand, gain from the benefits and build lasting friendships.

I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the work and effort the managers have put in, especially Jo, in helping CRC gain approval to become a Care Partner for Oranga Tamariki under section 396 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, which will enable CRC to open its first youth home in early 2023.

Staff development and training are important to CRC. They are supported by our two Career Force assessors, Atlanta and Nina F, who provide outstanding support and guidance to the team. Also, thanks to Monique, who has developed and conducted training programmes for CRC.

Finally, on a personal note, I would like to thank the amazing team for the mahi everyone has been doing this year. It is very humbling to be able to lead such a dynamic group of individuals.

Also, I would like to acknowledge Shaun, who stepped into the role as Deputy General Manager 12 months ago – your guidance for our clients and your staff is a testament to your skills and professionalism.

On behalf of our management team, myself, and the entire team of CRC, we would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2022.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you all in 2023.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving” – Mother Theresa

“He Waka Eke Noa”
“We are all in this together.”
Annie

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Our young ones

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:25:00 GMT

A crucial part of our work at CRC is providing transitionary residential services for tamariki and rangatahi for 12 to 25-year-olds. Often coming from difficult backgrounds, our young residents have been in care for many years and have the wrap-around care and support of CRC in order to succeed in life. While the challenges they face are significant, there are also many success stories of youth who lead happy and successful lives.

Two such residents we are incredibly proud of are Josh and Isiah. The two lads have recently competed in the Canterbury Special Olympics in Timaru. This was the first time the two have belonged to any form of a team, so to participate in such a tournament was a fantastic achievement. And it wasn’t just the event itself that Josh and Isiah took part in. They also undertook weekly soccer training to prepare themselves for the competition.

“Our younger residents have been displaced a lot in their lives,” says Annie McNicol, General Manager at CRC Ltd. “It can be a struggle for them to develop the skills of developing friendships and being part of a team. So, to compete in such a tournament while showing great sportsmanship is something they can both be very proud of.”

The pair performed so well in their tournament with two wins, two draws and one loss, they will now advance to the next stage of the competition in Nelson later this year.

For all of our younger residents, we work to help them make good choices and build healthy relationships. With this in mind, we took some of the residents to Mt Hutt last month for some tobogganing fun together. Almost all the members of the group had never seen snow before, and through these new experiences, they built new and healthy relationships.

Ka pai ki a tatou rangatahi!

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Celebration of Life

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 02:10:00 GMT

As we enter our 25 ^th year of operation, we would like to acknowledge and celebrate the life of our Managing Director, Te Tumu Rolleston, who passed away just over four weeks ago. All of us at CRC are moved by the loss of our colleague and friend. Te Tumu was an inspiration to all who met him. He had an active mind and was an incredibly forward-thinking man who was always full of ideas about how CRC could evolve and better serve our clients. All his ideas and his actions, at their core, served the people within the communities that we seek to support.

“Te Tumu always showed kindness and caring, to our residents, our clients and our staff,” says Annie McNicol, General Manager of CRC. “He is our tikanga – our reason for being here at CRC.”

Te Tumu did an enormous amount for CRC over the 25 years that we have been supporting people in our communities. And we honour and remember all his work as we move forward and seek to continue his legacy. Liked by so many, Te Tumu had a positive impact on everyone he came across. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and always so proud of his family. Life is now different without him, and we miss him dearly.

“I spent a lot of time with Te Tumu a few weeks before his passing,” says Annie. “He had no regrets and always wanted the best for people. Our thoughts are with Te Tumu’s whānau and friends at this time.”

CRC is a business based on whānau, and Te Tumu was at the foundation of this. His people-centred approach is reflected in the fantastic staff we have and the incredible work they do. We are thankful for everything Te Tumu did for CRC as we continue with his legacy of support, care and kindness.

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Heartwarming Stuff

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:34:00 GMT

As a country, we’ve been navigating the global pandemic now for quite some time. But in the past few months, things have really ramped up, with Omicron affecting many of us, and the COVID-19 restrictions impacting all our workplaces and day-to-day lives.

Despite all this uncertainty, our staff at CRC have continued to operate with a high level of dignity and ease. We are so proud of our staff as they continue to maintain a quality level of care for our residents. In addition to this, many members of the team have continued to be able to educate themselves to be equipped with even more tools to work with our residents. At CRC, we encourage all staff to do Careerforce training, which supports workplace-based training in the health sector.

Two staff, in particular, have really stepped up in the past month and have completed their Careerforce assessor training. This level of qualification allows them to keep team members rolling through the education they need to excel in the workplace.

“Congratulations to Atlanta Mcintyre and Nina Freeman for completing this crucial piece of work, and we look forward to seeing you thrive in your roles as assessors,” says Annie McNicol, CRC General Manager.

Congratulations also goes out to Brent Treleaven, who is the recipient of our first employee of the month award! Brent works as a Property Manager for our Yaldhurst site and carries out an outstanding caretaking role on this large piece of land. What has stood Brent out this month is his level of support during the pandemic.

“Brent always puts his hand up to help,” says Annie. “He has supported several team members through this tough time, and in addition, he has been responsible for growing the veggies that we then supply to our community and the wider community, including the local marae.”

Thanks so much for all your hard work, Brent, Atlanta and Nina. We value you all!

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A change in offering

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 23:02:00 GMT

We take great pride in offering our residents the best possible service. And so here at CRC, we would like to announce two significant changes that have happened recently, which will help us continue to offer outstanding service to those we serve.

Under contract with ACC, we are now expanding our residential services to provide a home-like setting for intensive specialist rehabilitation care for individuals who are not ready or able to return home after discharge from the hospital. This is a highly specialised service for Tangata with complex needs, such as severe brain injuries or physical disabilities. Our service is one of dignity, respect, and the promotion of independence.

Our staff works closely with each individual to support them on their road to recovery. We offer a range of services from personal care and household chores to holistic healing and specialist counseling.

From July 2021, CRC provides transitionary residential youth services for tamariki and rangatahi from 12 to 25 years old. In collaboration with Oranga Tamariki, CRC now provides youth dealing with complex issues, such as PTSD, a place where life can start to become more normal for them.

Like all our services, this provision is person-centred and based on safety, whanaungatanga (working together), and whānau. Our aim is to help these youth regain their dignity and start to rebuild a sense of who they are and how they can make their life more normal.

We are excited by the changes and look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with ACC and Oranga Tamariki. These changes fit into our overall aim of providing support, advocacy, and inspiration to those we care for, so that they may build their independence and create and full and safe life in the community.

This past year, each in our own ways, we have all started to get used to unpredictability and uncertainty. At CRC, we are proud to be evolving in a way that serves the needs of those in our communities. We’ve come farther than we could have imagined from our founding days, and we are constantly inspired to be striving for excellence in whatever we do.

For more information about these services, please contact
Annie McNicol on

E-Mail: anniem@crcltd.co.nz
Office Phone: 03 385 8178

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Congratulations, but not goodbye

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:34:00 GMT

Monique Clarke has worked for CRC Ltd since 2017 in various roles of support and most recently as a Site Manager of one of our residential homes.

During her tenure at CRC, Monique has developed CRC’s Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) workshops, which she has run and trained all staff in. She has created Positive Behaviour Plans (PBP) for the people in our care, all while continuing her study. Monique has gained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and has completed her second year of a Master’s.

During 2021, Monique has also developed research through the Good Nights Programme : evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth-delivered, parent-implemented behavioural sleep interventions for all children on the autism spectrum.

Most recently, Monique has received a UC Aho scholarship to upgrade her Master’s research to a PhD, one of only ten awarded each year. In conjunction with her PhD, she has been accepted into the limited-entry programme: Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology.

Monique is a rare individual as she is motivated for the betterment of all and is driven for knowledge and possibilities for all. Taking on the tikanga that is CRC Ltd and building her knowledge and competency of tikanga, she again demonstrates openness and willingness in all diversities.

Monique has always shown commitment and passion as she continues to apply herself to her study and work. The team at CRC feels it is a privilege to support Monique in her next steps and all of us are so incredibly proud of what she has already achieved and what she is destined to achieve.

This is not ‘goodbye’ as Monique will continue to work for CRC as she begins her next chapter, but we would like to acknowledge the person you are, Monique, and all the hard mahi you have put in. We are all so very proud of you.

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Thank you

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 01:05:00 GMT

This is a story of love, dedication, and commitment. Twenty years ago this week, Roy Bryant started working with CRC Ltd. Employed initially as a residential caregiver, Roy has always worked tirelessly to support the people in his care. He quickly became an integral part of the team, in the many roles he has held over the years from Residential Caregiver, Residential Service Manager, and SIL Support Worker.

Throughout his time at CRC, Roy has been extremely well-loved and respected by all his colleagues and clients. So much so, our clients refer to him as Uncle Roy. He’s part of our whanau and a dear friend to all of us, and it’s a delight and a privilege to be around him.

Roy’s been a big part of the implementation of our policies, initiatives, and staff training, as one staff member shared, Roy always gives ‘everyone time”, whether it be a simple chat over a cuppa or to share some advice through his wealth of insight and experience, we are very grateful for all the work he has done and his service to CRC.

He teaches and guides our clients to learn new skills, with a caring and nurturing nature every day he adds value to our people and our organisation.

Over the 20 years of dedicated service, Roy has been tirelessly supported by his loving wife Judy, we thank her for sharing Roy for so many years.

We want to thank Roy for his service as we celebrate his 20 years with us. We celebrated with a very special morning tea in which we presented Roy with a gold watch as a token of our appreciation for all his hard work, dedication and commitment to CRC.

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Thankful for our staff

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 22:54:00 GMT

This most recent lockdown has been hard on everyone, and particularly our residents. We wish to give thanks to our staff, who have managed to keep offering the same outstanding level of care.

At CRC Ltd, it’s all about supporting and enabling independent living services for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities. So, when the sudden Alert Level 4 was upon us last month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were amazed and delighted that our staff stepped up and extended their bubbles to include the people in our care.

“It’s been amazing to see how the team has been able to ensure our people are well looked after at this time,” says CRC General Manager Annie McNicol. “The staff have been able to ensure that the residents’ routines are maintained and that they feel safe and well supported in their environments.”

It’s this sense of whānau that holds the team and residents together at CRC Ltd. Some of the younger employees have also ensured that the animals at the CRC Gardens in Yaldhurst have had continuous care, as well. “It’s been great to know that the young lads have been looking after our lambs and alpacas. These animals are incredibly important for the wellbeing of our residents,” says Annie.

In addition, staff have continued to deliver fresh vegetables from the Yaldhurst gardens to CRC residents. And with bubbles being kept tight, the team has also been reaching out to our residents’ families to keep them up to date with how their family members are doing. “We all have a part to play in dealing with COVID, and we wish for everyone in our community to stay safe,” says Annie.

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Celebrating friendships

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 21:14:00 GMT

CRC developed the idea of a friendship group in 2020, and since then, it’s been going from strength to strength.

At CRC Ltd, it’s all about supporting and enabling independent living services for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities. So enriching the lives of the people we serve is really important. And we know that friendships can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing.

“Our friendship group is about creating friendships in safe and friendly environments, where people can share things in common and explore new interests,” says CRC General Manager Annie McNicol. “Some of our residents are quite isolated, so expanding their networks and helping them develop friendships has been a great way to get people involved in the community.”

CRC staff run the friendship group and offer a range of fun activities or skills sessions for friends to do together. For example, board games, pool or darts, feature alongside staff educating the group on subjects such as community services or how to use safety equipment.

The friendship group gathers for coffee or morning tea and also takes the form of a walking group at times, with visits to the beach or, in the winter months, the malls. It’s a great way to keep physically active while also learning about topics of interest, such as local news, voting or health issues.

The group meets once a month and has a regular attendance of around ten people. “It’s fantastic to see the group growing and people feeling nourished by it, both physically, mentally and socially,” says Annie.

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Healthy Competition

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 23:03:00 GMT

CRC clients have been growing in confidence and growing oversized vegetables, with the CRC’s horticultural ITO course members engaging in some friendly competition to produce the biggest pumpkin.

Seven residents and staff members from CRC joined in the contest, with the winner’s pumpkin weighing in at an impressive 14.5 kg. The winner’s trophy was dedicated to much-loved team member Jamie Hack who died suddenly during last years’ lockdown.

As participants in CRC’s ITO course for residents, clients manage vegetable gardens and learn to grow delicious fresh produce which is then donated to local community organisations. Residents learn to cultivate the garden beds, prepare seeds, germinate and care for the plants right through to harvest.

Trainer Brent Treleaven and Lou Hardy provide support and guidance to the clients who attend the course, and it’s these dedicated team members who come up with innovative ideas like the pumpkin growing competition.

The residents etched their names into the seeds before planting them so that as they grew, their names appeared on the skin of the pumpkin. The event proved to be great fun, and residents were proud to show off the fruits of their labour.

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A legacy of giving

Sun, 02 May 2021 22:53:00 GMT

This time last year, CRC lost much-loved team member Jamie Hack, who died suddenly on April 27 ^th 2020. Jamie’s role was high-risk support worker, and he approached his work with drive and commitment during his five years at CRC.

In a fitting tribute to Jamie’s work and acknowledgement for his passion for supporting the wider community, the CRC team delivers food packages and fresh vegetables to the Kaumātua at the Tuahiwi marae near Kaiapoi in Canterbury. Jamie wished to support the people of the marae, and CRC is proud to be able to continue this contribution in Jamie’s honour.

“Jamie is sorely missed, and we feel strongly that we want to continue his legacy of giving back,” says CRC General Manager Annie McNicol.

The vegetables are grown as part of CRC’s ITO course for residents. The participants manage vegetable gardens and learn to grow delicious fresh produce which is then donated to local community organisations. Residents learn to cultivate the garden beds, prepare seeds, germinate and care for the plants right through to harvest.

It was Jamie who put the wheels in motion to start growing Peruperu native potatoes in the CRC gardens. A year and a half later, the hearty Peruperu has been harvested and donated to Kaumātua, realising Jamie’s vision and continuing the work that was so important to him.

“This our memorial to Jamie, to keep providing fresh food, grown by our residents, to the people of Tuahiwi marae,” says Annie McNicoll.

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Fresh Food Donation Feeds Learning

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 02:39:00 GMT

CRC has landed on a unique and positive way for residents to contribute to their community while gaining work skills and experience. As part of CRC’s ITO course for residents, the participants manage vegetable gardens and learn to grow delicious fresh produce which is then donated to local community organisations.

The course focuses on agriculture and horticulture, and CRC residents learn to cultivate the garden beds, prepare seeds, germinate and care for the plants right through to harvest.

CRC General Manager Annie McNicoll says, “Residents use the vegetables to make jams and pickles, and they also provide produce to our other homes to be used for cooking.”

Fostering a sense of community in the spirit of giving back, vegetables are packed into boxes and delivered to local charities such as the City Mission and Women’s Refuge

“It’s about education and upskilling for our residents plus learning the joy of giving back. People get great enjoyment out of the whole process,” says Annie.

The ITO course provides residents with opportunities to gain skills and NCEA credits to assist with work readiness in preparation for moving on from CRC homes.

“It’s also about gaining an understanding of the rewards of putting in the hard work to produce results. It’s very gratifying to see the growth in our clients and their enthusiasm for giving back to their community,” says Annie.

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A two-way street – CRC staff give back

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 12:59:00 GMT

CRC’s work is well-known in the Canterbury community, and on top of their day-to-day services, you’re also likely to see their team out and about collecting for charity or helping out at community events.

Since 2019, CRC staff have volunteered to participate in the Pink Ribbon Appeal for breast cancer research. On appeal day, staff head out into the community in pairs for two hours at a time on a rotating basis to help collect from the public.

GM Annie McNicol says, “Our staff are very willing to put their hands up to volunteer, giving up their time to put themselves out there and help out.”

For the first time this year, the CRC team will get involved with the Neighbourhood Trust Golden Connection Luncheon. The Neighbourhood Trust provides a range of events and services for over 60s in Christchurch. The luncheon is held three times per year, allowing seniors to enjoy a delicious meal and make connections with others.

Eight CRC staff will attend on the day, helping with setting up, serving, cleaning and packing up the venue.

“We think it’s very important to expand our connections amongst other organisations and to help our clients to become part of the wider community. A lot of our clients don’t know anyone, and we can help them to expand their network outside of CRC.”

For staff, volunteering offers new and valuable experiences, and many have jumped at the opportunity to be part of the lunches.

“It’s a win-win for us. We get back as much as we give in terms of our staff wellbeing,” says Annie.

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