Lyalle McKeown-Love
Manaakitanga flows freely and lovingly from HEART Change Agent Lyalle McKeown-Love. It is through manaakitanga that Lyalle got connected with the HEART Movement.
Lyalle moved from Wellington to Auckland with her husband and son in 2012, and settled in Panmure. They became involved in activities at the nearby Faith Family Connect Baptist Church and were introduced to HEART by Pastor Tom and Margaret Ngapera. Lyalle’s husband Joel became involved with running a weekly youth space at Ruapotaka Marae supported by HEART. Lyalle has skills and a passion for cooking, and she started preparing and serving dinner to the youth. For Lyalle it was a safe way for her to connect with people from the community, including (former) HEART coordinator Nandita. Through Nandita, Lyalle learnt about HEART and about domestic violence prevention through healthy relationships.
The youth dinners grew and developed into ‘Pockets of Hope’ dinners, a place for hosted conversations and kai at Te Oro Music and Arts Centre. Lyalle gained confidence in her natural skills of cooking and serving at Pockets of Hope, and went on to study Hospitality Cookery at NZMA. In 2018 she started her own catering business 'Sanctuary Catering’ based at the Marist Club in Panmure. She often gets youth involved as a way for them to gain skills and confidence.
Alongside her professional development, Lyalle became more involved in HEART. She wrote poems on the subject of homelessness and was invited to join a group from Te Waipuna Puawai on a trip to Wellington to present this kaupapa to Parliament in 2016. She recalls being nervous presenting, but that she felt supported by those around her.
Lyalle shared her own domestic violence story as part of the HEART ‘Share the Struggle’ Campaign in 2016, and it took a lot of courage. Knowing there was a chance it could help someone else she stepped up and featured in a short film made by AUT students. Lyalle has also attended several HEART trainings where she has gained knowledge about family violence and related topics. She enjoys how the trainings are a mix of community and professional practitioners. For Lyalle it is “useful to hear all sides... and cool to see other people’s perspectives”.
A couple of ways that Lyalle keeps on top of her well-being are going to fitness classes held at Faith Family Connect Baptist Church and attending the Women’s Koru Group when she feels the need. But it is her manaakitanga that remains a constant pillar. She says “I love to serve others.” Her manaakitanga provides a connection to her Mother and Nana who she learnt her hospitality skills from. Her Christian faith also inspires her manaakitanga, she says “Jesus is teaching me how to serve”. Lyalle says healthy relationships encompass “genuine caring, kindness, non-judgement, helping others and making a difference”. This is a true reflection of Lyalle’s spirit, friendship and mahi. Ngā mihi maioha.
Lyalle continues to cook for the community when she can, with the help of volunteers she runs ‘Sanctuary Dinners’ in Glen Innes where anyone can come by for a free hot meal. These dinners are popular with local people. At the moment they are outside the GI Library on Wednesdays from 5pm (until GI Community Centre has been refurbished), dependant on resources. Please get in contact with Lyalle if you are able to help. Email: sanctuarycatering@gmail.com