About Us
Our History
The Community House Mid Canterbury – a place to meet in the heart of Ashburton – is a not-for-profit community-focused facility.
Situated in a prime location in the centre of Ashburton. Community House offers a range of spaces for a variety of uses along with other ancillary services.
How does Community House operate?
The day-to-day operation of Community House, is overseen by a board of 5 trustees, all of whom volunteer their time. The team of staff situated in Community House include an onsite Manager, and two Receptionist, who also perform Social Media duties and Accounts processing.
Funding
The Community House is funded by annual grants, donations, ongoing venue hire and the hire of the community van, as well as the occasional fundraiser. We would like to thank our supporters and ongoing funders for their support of Community House Mid Canterbury.
The History of Community House
Community House was originally started in 1995 by May Greenslade as a resource centre for non-government agencies to provide a hub for social service groups in Ashburton.
Community House Mid Canterbury has continued to grow and the demand for such a service hub warranted the appointment of a full-time manager in 2002. Prior to this it was coordinated by a group of volunteers.
In 2014, with increased demand for more space, and with the support of the Ashburton community, Community House Mid Canterbury Charitable Trust acquired its current building on Cass Street. Following a full renovation and refit, the new Community House Mid Canterbury was officially opened in April 2015 by former Rangitata MP, Jo Goodhew.
In 2023 the Trust was given the opportunity to purchase the adjacent building at 255 Moore Street and launched a successful fundraising drive to achieve this purchase. After an extensive refit this building now houses Safer Mid Canterbury and associated entities. With Safer Mid Canterbury vacating the Cass Street building, a refit was carried out allowing for Whanãu Ãwhina Plunket and Comcare Trust to tenant the vacant space.
Community House Today
Situated on the corner of Cass and Moore Street in the heart of Ashburton, Community House is a hub for social services in the Mid Canterbury community.
With over 40 different social services operating out of our two facilities, Community House welcomed almost 20,000 people last year from the very young arriving for their first Plunket visit, to seniors attending a weekly Senior Citizens group.
Community House is dedicated to creating a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families within the community. Our facilities are a hub for networking, collaboration, education and support, catering to a diverse range of community needs.
Our Funders
We are indebted to our generous local businesses and supporting funders for their commitment to helping us continue to serve the Community House Mid Canterbury.
On behalf of all at CHMC, we would like to extend a very warm thank you to:
- Lotteries Community Fund
- Cogs (Community Organisation Grants Scheme)
- CTMSC (Community Trust Mid South Canterbury)
- Advance Ashburton Community Foundation
- Lion Foundation
- Trust Ashburton Charitable Trust
- Somerset Ashburton Ltd
We gratefully acknowledge the support of these funding bodies who have been an integral part of the Community House throughout the years.
Our Board
We operate by a charitable trust made up of a team of voluntary board members who are committed and passionate about proving the Mid Canterbury area with the best resources possible for its local communities.
-
Natasha Wilson Chair and FinanceNatasha is a born and raised Ashburtonian with 17 years in the finance industry, and currently works as a Business Banking Manager for ANZ Bank based in Ashburton. Natasha works with a wide variety of individuals and businesses which links her well within the local community. Natasha is supported by husband Hamish, who works for a local owned and operated business, and son Taylor who attends Ashburton Intermediate School.
-
Dave Mathieson Accountant
Dave is a born and bred Ashburtonian who went on to study at Otago University. He now splits his work time as the owner of Mathieson’s Chartered accountants and his construction business in Christchurch. He is married to Lynda and together they have 6 busy children.
Dave is a valued member of the Community House Trust Board and has been part of the financial committee since 2013. He continues to be committed to the growth of Community House and the staff that run it.
-
David Rush Insurance
David is the founder and owner of Vision Insurance. He has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of the fire and general insurance industry. He is qualified as a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, holds a diploma of Business Studies (Insurance Management) through Massey University, and is also qualified as a Certified Insurance and Professional (CIP) and Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB).
David has been involved with a number of community organisations, including past chair of the Ashburton College and is a member of the property committee.
-
Henry McManus LAW
Henry has recently moved to Ashburton with his partner Ellen. Henry graduated from the University of Canterbury with a double degree in Law and Commerce in 2020 and has been working at Argyle Welsh Finnigan Limited since the beginning of 2021. Prior to moving to Ashburton he grew up on a farm in the Selwyn area.
Henry has been an active participant in the community since moving, joining local sports clubs playing at both a competitive and social level.”
-
Sarah Lovell Trustee
Sarah, was born and raised on a dairy farm in rural Ashburton. After spending 11 years overseas teaching she returned home to be part of this fantastic community. Sarah is currently Deputy Principal at a local primary school, while also pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She is supported by her husband Seaun and daughter Tilly who is in her last year of primary school.
Sarah has actively participated in various community organisations, including serving on the board of trustees at our local school.
Our Values
Respect
Confidence
Trust
Contribution
Our Staff
-
Robbie Ross Facilities Manager
Robbie and his wife have recently moved back to Ashburton after living and working in various towns and cities in the North Island for the past 36 years. He joined the Community House as Facilities Manager in September 2024 having been involved in the not-for profit sector for almost 40 years. For the past 25 years he has held Marketing & Fundraising Management roles with several national and regional charities. Robbie is looking forward to getting involved in the Ashburton community.
-
Jeanette Price Reception / Finance
Jeanette is our afternoon receptionist at Community House as well as our Accounts Administrator. She has 30 years’ administration experience before joining the Community House team in January 2019. She is Ashburton born and bred. Jeanette is happy to help any visitors who visit Community House.
-
Jo Clement Reception / Social Media
Jo is the morning receptionist at Community House, replacing Jess Wright while she is on her year long maternity leave. Jo has many year’s experience in administration/reception having lived and worked in the Ashburton area her whole life and enjoys the busy interactive reception area at Community House. Jo is also the current secretary for the Community House Mid Canterbury Board.
-
Jess Wright On Maternity Leave
Jess is our bright bubbly morning receptionist at Community House as well as our social media & website star. Jess has over 15 years’ experience in the office and administration field. She was born and raised in Auckland before making the move to Ashburton in 2021. Jess is looking forward to engaging with the local community, meeting many wonderful people and hearing their stories.
