Powering Your Community

April 2025 Recipients

Whinray Eco Trust

The Kiwi Project in the Whinray Scenic Reserve is a long-running conservation effort protecting 429 hectares of native bush. Managed by the team at Ecoworks, the area has had over 26 years of pest control and is home to more than 17 native species, including kiwi, Hochstetter’s frog, robin, kaka, kakariki, whio, falcon and native bats.
The project also supports kiwi breeding, with eggs sent to Rotorua for hatching, then transferred to the Motu Kiwi Creche before being returned to Whinray once strong enough.
Funding from this grant will support the purchase of essential trapping equipment, including the AT220 — New Zealand’s first multi species automatic trap. These tools make pest control more efficient and less labour intensive.
With the right support, Whinray can continue to thrive as a safe haven for native wildlife and a shining example of what long term, community-led conservation can achieve.

Women Helping Ōtepoti

Women Helping Ōtepoti (WHŌ) is a local group of women who come together to support one another and give back to the community. We aim to create a socially and culturally inclusive space where every woman can reach her full potential and contribute to all areas of life.

Our projects include knitting baby garments for Dunedin Hospital’s neonatal unit, creating Moses baskets and cot blankets for stillborn babies, and making Twiddle Muffs for people living with dementia. We also provide emotional support chickens for mental health patients and older people with complex needs.

Our newest initiative, Knitting for Cool Kids, provides hand knitted care packs to young students starting school in low decile areas. For many, it is the first time they receive something new that has been made just for them.

Thanks to this grant, we have been able to purchase wool supplies to keep our team of knitters creating and continue supporting those in need.

One Stop Wellness

He Huarahi Tamariki is a school in Tawa dedicated to helping young parents continue their education while raising children. For over 30 years, the school has provided tailored support including transport, childcare, and nutritious meals, removing barriers that might otherwise prevent students from completing secondary school.

To further support the mental health and wellbeing of these young parents, the school is seeking funding for Te Oranga o te Whanau – a wellbeing program developed specifically for teenage parents by The 502 Rangatahi Ora. At $750 per term, the program offers weekly sessions to build resilience and strengthen both personal and parenting skills.

This initiative lies outside the school’s standard budget, and additional support is needed to make it possible. Investing in these students' emotional wellbeing helps ensure brighter futures for them and their children, and a stronger, more connected community.

MacStrong Charitable Trust

The Mac Strong Charitable Trust is an organisation focused on mentoring young people across Auckland. Mac Strong empowers tamariki and rangatahi aged 6 to 18 by delivering tailored, community-based programmes that build resilience, life skills, and a strong sense of purpose.

Led by mentors from diverse backgrounds including education, trades, and policing, Mac Strong provides practical and culturally responsive support. Through activities like diving, fishing, mountain biking, and career development, they help young people grow in confidence, improve school attendance, and prepare for future employment.

Recently, the Trust has seen a significant increase in referrals but lacks the funding to meet demand. This grant would allow Mac Strong to subsidise mentoring for those currently waiting, enabling more young people to access vital support and guidance when they need it most. With the right tools and relationships, these youth can thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

You can donate directly to Macstrong Charitable Trust here.

HopeWalk - Mental Struggle Walk

HopeWalk is a grassroots community movement that brings people together to raise awareness and spark conversations around mental health and emotional wellbeing for those who are struggling. Founded by those who have experienced the deep impact of mental distress in their lives and communities, HopeWalk is grounded in the belief that hope is stronger than fear.

Through community walks and events, HopeWalk creates inclusive spaces where people can connect, reflect, and support one another. A grant of $1000 would help make a local event possible by covering essential costs like permits, signage, water, and safety equipment, and providing wristbands or shirts to help participants feel united.

It would also support the volunteers who give their time and energy by helping with food, transport, and small appreciation vouchers. With printed resources and “Hope Packs” offering uplifting messages and helpful contacts, this event would promote connection, restore hope, and remind people that they are never alone.

To find out more, you can visit the HopeWalk website here.

Men at Work

Tuakau MenzShed is a welcoming space where men of all ages come together to connect, share skills, and give back to their community. Since opening in August 2023 with just four members, the shed has grown to 35 active volunteers who work on a wide range of local projects. These include building memorial benches, repairing toys and furniture, supporting schools, and creating handcrafted items for local markets.

For many members, the shed offers more than a place to work. It provides friendship, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Some are widowed or live alone, and the shed gives them a safe and supportive space to feel valued again.

Right now, a shortage of batteries and chargers for power tools is limiting participation and progress. Support to purchase additional equipment would allow more members to be involved and help keep important community projects moving forward. Every contribution makes a real difference.

Leamington Rugby Sports Club

Leamington Rugby Sports Club has been a proud part of the Cambridge community for over 125 years. Once focused solely on senior rugby, the club has evolved into a vibrant multi-sport hub with more than 700 active members, half of whom are female. In recent years, LRSC has expanded rapidly with new junior rugby, netball, hockey, and touch teams, along with the introduction of senior women's rugby and lacrosse.

This growth has brought renewed energy but also placed pressure on club resources. Over 40 junior teams now rely on dedicated volunteer coaches and managers, and strong investment in uniforms and training equipment is essential to support them. A major milestone was reached in 2024, with all winter teams proudly wearing official club colours.

The next focus is equipping junior summer modules, especially touch and tag, which will be offered free to participants. Support through this grant will help meet these needs and strengthen the club's inclusive future.