Speaker Evening Serving the Unseen: City Mission Palmerston North A reflection on our recent speaker evening with Rev Dr Franco Vaccarino | ||
At our most recent meeting, members of Milson Rotary Club were privileged to hear from Reverend Dr Franco Vaccarino, the founding City Missioner of City Mission Palmerston North. What followed was one of the most thought-provoking and humbling presentations we've heard in some time, a clear-eyed account of the hidden needs in our own community, and the remarkable work being done to meet them. | ||
From Small Beginnings The organisation's roots stretch back to 1970, when a group of concerned citizens noticed that elderly residents had little to do in retirement and were at risk of social isolation. From that modest beginning — a friendship van, a borrowed church space, and a shared cup of tea, grew what is now City Mission Palmerston North, operating under the banner C4C: We Support, Empower and Advocate for Change. Franco himself brings a fascinating international perspective to the role. Born in Italy, raised in South Africa, with academic and research experience in Mozambique and at Massey University, he describes himself simply as “a transnational”, and it shows in his deep empathy for people who don't quite fit the mainstream. | ||
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More Than a Meal A central theme of Franco's presentation was that the Mission's work goes far beyond food and material assistance — though both are urgently needed. At the heart of everything is connection. The Friendship Centre runs a Live Well programme every Monday, with live entertainment, shared meals, and transport by the Mission's vans for those who can no longer drive. Mind Masters on Tuesdays brings seniors together for cards and Scrabble. A men's group meets fortnightly — no agenda, just blokes getting together for a coffee and a kōrero. Balance for Life offers seated exercise, and Groovy Moves provides dance and fitness, led by a facilitator Franco described with great affection as "really out there" — bunny ears and all. A fitness studio is also on the way, with resistance training equipment aimed at building strength and independence among older residents. | ||
Reaching the Overlooked Two groups Franco spoke about with particular passion were senior former refugees and the homeless. Many elderly refugees arrive in New Zealand through family reunification schemes and, while technically settled, remain largely invisible at home caring for grandchildren, seldom venturing out, unable to easily access services. The Mission runs English language classes specifically for this group, picking them up by van and bringing them into a welcoming environment. The goal isn't a proficiency certificate, it's social inclusion, and practical gains like being able to communicate more directly with a GP. On homelessness, Franco was direct: numbers are rising significantly in Palmerston North. Rough sleepers and families living in cars face challenges that well-meaning donations can inadvertently worsen — a can without a ring-pull is useless without a can opener; flour has little value without somewhere to cook. The Mission has learned over time to tailor its support accordingly. | ||
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Christmas and Community Two years ago, Franco discovered there was nowhere in Palmerston North for people to go on Christmas Day, no open door, no shared meal. A man who attended a Christmas service told Franco he couldn't go home because of abuse there, and asked if there was anywhere else to be. There wasn't. So City Mission started one. Last Christmas, 60 volunteers cooked, served, decorated, and, most importantly, sat with the people who came. One woman simply walked past, saw lights and activity, stepped in on her own, and stayed for four hours. "That's what it's about," said Franco. "The social connection, not just the food." | ||
Food Insecurity and the Bigger Picture The Mission is closely connected to wider food security efforts in the city, including the annual Every Can Can Make a Difference appeal, which collected over 4,150 cans last year, with huge contributions from local schools. Franco noted that one local food rescue provider is now supporting around 500 people per day, Monday to Friday, a figure that speaks volumes about the scale of need in our city. Looking ahead, the Mission is partnering with Massey University researchers to formally document community needs across 14 different population groups, migrants, seniors, disabled people, rainbow communities, and more, with the intention of presenting findings to Council and strengthening the case for targeted support. | ||
What Can We Do? When asked about the Mission's greatest current need, Franco didn't hesitate: food. Demand is growing, funding is tight, and the pantry was fully depleted to supply last year's Christmas hampers. As a Rotary club that has long championed community service, this presentation was a timely reminder that significant need exists right here in Palmerston North — and that organisations like City Mission are doing extraordinary work, often on a shoestring, to meet it. | ||
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Milson Rotary Club City Mission Palmerston North is based at All Saints Church, Palmerston North. Their work is funded through grants, community donations, and support from All Saints Church. |
Your Questions Answered City Mission Palmerston North — FAQ Following our speaker evening with Rev Dr Franco, the founding City Missioner | ||
Our members had many questions after Rev Dr Franco's presentation. Here are answers to the most common ones, to help you better understand the Mission's work and how our community can get involved. | ||
What is City Mission Palmerston North, and how did it start? City Mission Palmerston North grew from a community trust established in 1970 by people concerned about elderly residents facing loneliness and social isolation in retirement. It began as a simple friendship centre a van, a borrowed space at All Saints Church, and shared cups of tea. In 2019, just before the COVID-19 lockdowns, it was renamed City Mission Palmerston North. Its core purpose, captured in the motto C4C — We Support, Empower and Advocate for Change, has remained consistent throughout. | ||
Is City Mission Palmerston North connected to other City Missions around New Zealand? Not formally. While City Missions exist in other centres, some over 100 years old, particularly in Christchurch, each operates independently and focuses on the specific needs of its own community. They share a similar name and philosophy, but are not part of a single national organisation. | ||
What programmes does the Mission run? The Mission runs a wide range of programmes across different community groups:
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Why does the Mission focus so much on social connection rather than just material aid? Because loneliness and isolation are often as damaging as material hardship, and sometimes more so. Whether it's an elderly person who hasn't left the house in days, a senior refugee with no connection to their new community, or a rough sleeper who simply needs someone to acknowledge them by name, the Mission has found that human connection is frequently what people need most. Food, transport, and exercise programmes all serve a double purpose: meeting a practical need and creating opportunities for people to connect with others. | ||
How does the Mission support homeless people in Palmerston North? The Mission provides coffee, food, and a welcoming space to rough sleepers and those living in cars. Over time it has learned to tailor practical donations carefully, for example, providing cans with ring-pull lids rather than those requiring a can opener, and avoiding items like raw flour that can't easily be used without cooking facilities. Beyond material support, the Mission trains its staff and volunteers to greet homeless people by name and treat them with dignity. Franco noted that homelessness in Palmerston North is increasing significantly, including families sleeping in vehicles over winter. | ||
Why does the Mission work with senior refugees specifically? New Zealand's refugee resettlement policy allows settled refugees to invite family members, including elderly parents, to join them. These senior arrivals often face profound isolation: they may rarely leave the house, have limited English, and lack any social network beyond their immediate family. The Mission's English language classes are specifically designed for this group, and free van transport is provided to remove the barrier of getting there. The focus is less on language proficiency and more on giving participants confidence, community, and connection. | ||
Where does the Mission get its funding? Like most community organisations, City Mission Palmerston North relies on a mix of funding sources: grants from lottery and community funders, donations from individuals and businesses, support from All Saints Church (which also provides the premises at a favourable rate), and community fundraising events. Franco was candid that funding is becoming increasingly stretched, grant amounts are shrinking, competition is growing, and funders are asking harder questions about impact. The Mission's greatest current need is food, particularly as demand continues to rise. | ||
What is the Every Can Can Make a Difference appeal? This is an annual food drive the Mission runs in partnership with the Palmerston North City Council. Collection bins are placed in The Plaza and Central Court, and schools are invited to run their own competitive drives. Last year, Boys' High alone brought in over 900 cans, and Cornerstone Christian School contributed close to 2,000. In total, more than 4,150 cans plus numerous boxes of non-perishable food were collected and distributed to food banks and social service organisations across the region. | ||
Does the Mission help people find work or training? Not directly, but it works closely with other organisations that do. For example, it refers people to services that help with interview preparation, appropriate clothing, and job coaching. The Mission sees its role as a connector as well as a direct service provider, getting people to the right door, not just providing what it can offer itself. | ||
How can I or our club support City Mission Palmerston North? There are several practical ways to help:
Milson Rotary Club will be looking at ways we can partner with the Mission — watch our newsletter and Facebook page for updates. | ||
Milson Rotary Club City Mission Palmerston North is based at All Saints Church, Palmerston North. To find out more or to support their work, speak to any Milson Rotary member. |