The Nest Collective is helping give newborn babies in The West the best possible start in life. The registered charity supports whānau with free baby essentials for the first year of life and beyond.
‘Focusing on the critical first 1,000 days, our pēpi packs provide the physical resources to nurture babies’ health, development and wellbeing,’ declares Natalia Karacaoglu, Chief Executive. She says that there is clear evidence that the impacts of what happens in a baby’s first few years last a lifetime. ‘Early investment in children pays off in the long term for families and society,’ Natalia adds.
The baby packs include pre-loved, recycled and handmade baby care items like clothing, bedding, books, toys, toiletries, and much more. Natalia says that there is a Nest Makers community page on Facebook. With 1,600 active members, the craft group lovingly create handcrafted booties, blankets, hats and knitted toys.
All baby boxes are gifted to families in the community via social workers, midwives, nurses, Plunket and several charity partners. Natalia says that feedback from community partners is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the long-term positive impact on babies and their families.
And the demand for The Nest Collective’s baby packs has never been greater. According to the latest statistics from Stats NZ, one in seven children in Aotearoa lives in a household experiencing hardship. In 2023, 68 families in Waitākere received a pack, increasing to 92 households in 2024. ‘This year, we’re already on track to deliver over 100 packs to West Aucklanders,’ reports Natalia.
Baby packs are provided free to families that need them, and to make that happen, The Nest Collective relies on the generosity of funders and donations. Applying to the Your West Support Fund has provided greater certainty this year, with a $5,000 boost to the bank balance. Natalia says the funding has contributed to operating costs and the purchase of new items, such as baby thermometers and merino sleep sacks. ‘We’re really grateful for the support,’ Natalia says.
The Nest Collective is always looking for donations of new or pre-loved baby essentials in excellent condition. Whether large or small, every donation makes a difference to babies and the families who need it most.
Financial donations are also gratefully received. If you enjoy knitting or crafting and would like to contribute, check out the crafting hub on The Nest Collective’s website. You’ll find a wealth of resources to get started, from patterns to safety information.
