“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi.” – With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
This powerful Māori proverb speaks to the importance of collaboration, and two people who truly embody this are Daryl Collingwood from Motueka Anglican Parish and Tanya Charles from Age Concern Nelson Tasman. Together, they have built a working relationship that enables both organisations to care for people in a truly holistic way.
When Daryl first took on the role of Older Persons Worker at Motueka Parish, he quickly realised that pastoral care wasn’t just about individuals—it was about whole families and communities. Engaging with older adults often meant supporting their children, grandchildren, and wider whānau, leading him to redefine his role as Community Pastor.
As the ministry grew, Daryl recognised that true community care couldn’t rest on his shoulders alone—it needed to be bigger than just one person. He saw that many in the parish were already serving in practical ways, so he brought them together to form the Care Team: a group focused on “doing mission and pastoral care together.”
The Care Team tapped into the strengths of everyday people—those who loved cooking, cleaning, walking, gardening, or simply being a listening ear. They also created a database of willing helpers, making it easy to connect people in need with those who could offer support.
But this spirit of togetherness didn’t stop there. One day, Daryl simply turned up for a cup of tea at Tanya’s office at Age Concern, wanting to learn more about how other organisations were supporting the community. That one conversation sparked a valuable partnership.
Tanya, who is the sole worker for Age Concern in Motueka, says that having Daryl and the Care Team available has been a huge support. While she is deeply connected within the community, she has found Daryl’s ability to source essential items—like whiteware for those in need—an incredible help.
Tanya also deals with complex situations, such as elder abuse and neglect, which require focused intervention. In cases where ongoing check-ins and emotional support are needed, Daryl and the Care Team have stepped in, ensuring that vulnerable individuals continue to be cared for beyond Tanya’s initial assessments.
In many cases, Tanya has noticed that some people hesitate to open up to a social worker but are more comfortable sharing with someone in a pastoral role. Because of the trust and relationship she has built with Daryl, she feels confident referring people to the church’s Care Team, knowing they will follow through with kindness and care.
She has also met older adults who once had a connection with a church but lost touch over time. Now, thanks to this partnership, she can reconnect them with a faith community that will welcome and support them.
There are so many organisations in our communities doing incredible mahi, but true impact happens when we work together. As another proverb reminds us,
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The collaboration between Age Concern and Motueka Parish has made a real difference in the lives of many, ensuring they receive care that nurtures them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As you go about your week, take a moment to pray for and thank the older persons workers and rest home chaplains in your community. Their work is vital, bringing restoration and well-being to so many.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi.” – With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
This powerful Māori proverb speaks to the importance of collaboration, and two people who truly embody this are Daryl Collingwood from Motueka Anglican Parish and Tanya Charles from Age Concern Nelson Tasman. Together, they have built a working relationship that enables both organisations to care for people in a truly holistic way.
When Daryl first took on the role of Older Persons Worker at Motueka Parish, he quickly realised that pastoral care wasn’t just about individuals—it was about whole families and communities. Engaging with older adults often meant supporting their children, grandchildren, and wider whānau, leading him to redefine his role as Community Pastor.
As the ministry grew, Daryl recognised that true community care couldn’t rest on his shoulders alone—it needed to be bigger than just one person. He saw that many in the parish were already serving in practical ways, so he brought them together to form the Care Team: a group focused on “doing mission and pastoral care together.”
The Care Team tapped into the strengths of everyday people—those who loved cooking, cleaning, walking, gardening, or simply being a listening ear. They also created a database of willing helpers, making it easy to connect people in need with those who could offer support.
But this spirit of togetherness didn’t stop there. One day, Daryl simply turned up for a cup of tea at Tanya’s office at Age Concern, wanting to learn more about how other organisations were supporting the community. That one conversation sparked a valuable partnership.
Tanya, who is the sole worker for Age Concern in Motueka, says that having Daryl and the Care Team available has been a huge support. While she is deeply connected within the community, she has found Daryl’s ability to source essential items—like whiteware for those in need—an incredible help.
Tanya also deals with complex situations, such as elder abuse and neglect, which require focused intervention. In cases where ongoing check-ins and emotional support are needed, Daryl and the Care Team have stepped in, ensuring that vulnerable individuals continue to be cared for beyond Tanya’s initial assessments.
In many cases, Tanya has noticed that some people hesitate to open up to a social worker but are more comfortable sharing with someone in a pastoral role. Because of the trust and relationship she has built with Daryl, she feels confident referring people to the church’s Care Team, knowing they will follow through with kindness and care.
She has also met older adults who once had a connection with a church but lost touch over time. Now, thanks to this partnership, she can reconnect them with a faith community that will welcome and support them.
There are so many organisations in our communities doing incredible mahi, but true impact happens when we work together. As another proverb reminds us,
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The collaboration between Age Concern and Motueka Parish has made a real difference in the lives of many, ensuring they receive care that nurtures them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As you go about your week, take a moment to pray for and thank the older persons workers and rest home chaplains in your community. Their work is vital, bringing restoration and well-being to so many.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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