The Aranui Community Trust Incorporated Society (ACTIS) is a community-led trust based at 37 Hampshire Street in the heart of Aranui, Christchurch. Its work is grounded in Ngā Uara — manaakitanga (care and respect for the Aranui community), rangatiratanga (taking the initiative in bringing people together), whanaungatanga (strengthening relationships) and kotahitanga (unity and collaboration for shared outcomes).
The trust's vision is 'Aranui, a proud community of hope and opportunities where people stand tall', with a simple mission: the community working together for an awesome Aranui. To that end, ACTIS walks alongside local whānau through Kaitūwhana (Whānau Ora navigator) services — whānau can be referred for help accessing the right services in Aranui via a downloadable or online referral form.
Beyond navigation, the team delivers Kāhu Matarau intensive intervention, Pou Toko Tāne and Fast Track support, Manaaki Kaimahi care, early childhood education support, school attendance kaimahi, an Aranui Sports Activator role and a regular community newsletter. A kī o rāhi image on the site hints at the active, cultural flavour of its community events.
ACTIS is governed by a dedicated board — chaired by Roy Appley with Lianne Dalziel as patron — and a hands-on team led by Manager Rachael Fonotia. Its work is made possible through the support of funders and partners including Christchurch City Council, the Rātā Foundation, the Ministry of Education, Sport Canterbury and the Lottery Grants Board. Pop in to 37 Hampshire Street, call 03 963 7070, or follow them on Facebook and YouTube to get involved.
On Hampshire Street in the heart of Aranui, Christchurch, the Aranui Community Trust Incorporated Society — known to locals as ACTIS — works toward a simple but powerful vision: **Kia tū tahi ai, Te hapori ō Aranui. Kia tū tangata ai tātou katoa** — Aranui, a proud community of hope and opportunities where people stand tall.
Based at 37 Hampshire Street, Aranui, Christchurch 8061, ACTIS is a community-led trust whose mission is **Kia mahi tahi ai, te hapori, kia puāwaitia, ā Aranui** — the community working together for an awesome Aranui. Everything the trust does flows from that kaupapa, connecting whānau with support, running local programmes, and bringing the people of Aranui together.
ACTIS is explicit about the values that shape its work:
These aren't just words on a wall — they're reflected in the trust's structure, from its kaumatua on the board to the navigator service that walks alongside whānau.
One of ACTIS's most practical services is its **Kaitūwhana (Whānau Ora Navigator) service**. If you or your whānau need help accessing service support in Aranui, navigators Alex Taefu, Trudie Allan, Ana Masiu and Nikki Waddell can assist — each with a direct mobile number listed on the trust's website, so help is never more than a phone call away.
Getting started is straightforward: whānau can complete the ACTIS Whānau Ora Referral Form online via the website's embedded form link, or download the PDF version, fill it in by hand and return it. The kaitūwhana team then helps connect people with the right services.
Beyond navigation, ACTIS runs a broad suite of work streams, each with dedicated kaimahi (staff):
ACTIS is governed by a dedicated board chaired by **Roy Appley**, with **Jacqui Te Wani** as Vice Chairperson, **Stuart Batty** as Treasurer and **Colleen Columbus** as Secretary, alongside board members Bebe Frayle, Sela Falelotu-Fasi, Paul McMahon, Mark Scown and Te Wairau. **Harry Westrupp** serves as ACTIS Kaumatua, and **Lianne Dalziel** is the trust's Patron.
Day to day, the trust is led by Manager **Rachael Fonotia** and Assistant Manager **Sera Thompson**, supported by a team including Practice Lead Maria McEntyre, Manaaki Kaimahi Anahera Northover, and kaimahi across every programme area.
The trust's work is backed by a wide circle of funders and partners, including Christchurch City Council, the Rata Foundation, Sport Canterbury, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development, Kāinga Ora, Oranga Tamariki, Internal Affairs, NZCT, Pub Charity, Trillian Trust, Lottery Grants Board, COGS, Christchurch Casino, Iron Bridge and Rotary.
The trust makes it easy to stay in touch. Visit **actis.org.nz** to read newsletters and subscribe for updates, or follow **AranuiCTIS on Facebook** and **ACTIS on YouTube (@actis37)** for news and events. The office can be reached on **03 963 7070** or via **sera@actis.org.nz**. There's also a formal complaints process available on the website — a sign of the accountability the trust takes seriously.
Whether you're a whānau needing a helping hand, a local wanting to join in community sport, or someone who simply cares about an awesome Aranui, the team at 37 Hampshire Street is there to welcome you.