Organisations Protecting and Enabling our Community
Manawatū Riding for the Disabled and Himatangi Beach Community Patrol both play a key role supporting residents to live comfortably, safely and thrive within our District. As recipients of MDC’s Community Development Priority Services Fund, they presented to Council on Wednesday, reflecting on their 2024/25 annual reports.
Manawatū Riding for the Disabled provides one-on-one sessions for people living with physical or intellectual disabilities to ride and interact with horses. The trot of horse riding is compared to a heartbeat, providing a therapeutic, calming experience. The team spoke proudly of their service and the joy of seeing clients become engaged with the horses, with some non-verbal clients even speaking words of joy during sessions. Based on Awahuri-Feilding Road, the facility trains volunteers to deliver sessions in the Manawatū District, and supported 64 children with the help of 54 volunteers in the 2024/25 financial year. Their ponies, Barry, Merlot, Dusty, Nala, Kiwi, Ruby and Dream have all been trained and are actively involved in the programme. Volunteer feedback was very positive, with 98% of surveyed volunteers satisfied with the training and saying they had gained new life skills.
Himantagi Beach Community Patrol play a key part towards preventing crime and reducing harm in their village. The team act as a police liaison, supporting local events, such as during Kings’ Birthday weekend, when the team patrolled and acted as the polices’ eyes and ears during boy racer events. During the 2024/25 financial year, 14 volunteers engaged in patrol activities, totalling 770 hours of mahi and reporting 5 incidents to the police. 100% of the eligible volunteers were police vetted and trained in community patrol, responding positively to their survey with a 100% satisfaction rate with the content and delivery of training received.
MDC is proud to support Manawatū Riding for the Disabled and Himatangi Beach Community Patrol through the Community Development Priority Services Fund. Both organisations play an important role in protecting, enabling and supporting our wider community - keeping communities safe, thriving and connected.
MDC’s Community Development Priority Services Fund supports non-profit organisations who enhance community well-being, create a sense of belonging and foster social equity. To learn more about the Community Development Priority Services Fund, please visit MDC’s website: Community Development Fund | Manawatū District Council