Manta Watch New Zealand Charitable Trust’s mission is to increase the knowledge of and advocacy for Aotearoa New Zealand’s oceanic ecosystems through conducting scientific research on the globally endangered oceanic manta ray and spine-tailed devil ray. The trust received a grant of $2,516 to purchase an underwater scooter for the research team to record and collect in-water biological data of these species.

Maungaraki School’s aim is to educate the next generation, by teaching not only numeracy and literacy, but also other areas such as the environment and history. The school is situated on a hill looking over the Hutt Valley and is surrounded by native bush. The staff and students are passionate about the environment and the community is proactive in making the area predator free. The school received a grant of $814 to purchase six A24 Rat Stoat Trap Kits, to assist with the trapping of stoats. The traps are easy, safe and maintenance free for students to use and will assist in keeping the area predator free.

Moehau Environment Group Incorporated’s mission is to restore and protect the biodiversity and habitats of North Coromandel. The organisation implement large-scale conservation projects in partnership with local iwi, landowners, and regional and national bodies, while supporting the conservation initiatives of others across the region. The field team are focused on keeping priority pests under control; however, the emergence of ferrets is a new threat to the wildlife in the area. The organisation received a grant of $4,992 to purchase trapping equipment for the  team and volunteers to set up a trapping operation to target the ferrets.

MOTAT’s vision is to use the past, present and future technology, and ingenuity of Aotearoa to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow. The Education team’s goal is to provide quality educational programmes that promote innovation and meet the needs of our tamariki. The organisation received a grant of $10,300 to restore Six Simple Machines, an interactive exhibit that helps explain the fundamentals of engineering and how machines work for visiting school groups. Students receive fun and experiential learning with the Simple Machines exhibit which takes the lever, wheel, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw, and shows how these combine to make more complex machines.  

The Panacea Arts Charitable Trust believe in changing lives through creativity and providing access to the arts for all people. Artists are encouraged to explore their own creativity and to express themselves through their work. The trust received a grant of $2,334 to purchase materials for a celebratory exhibition of works by new artists of ‘South Auckland’ – Ōtāhuhu, Māngere, and Otara.

Paul Walsh received a grant of $5,000 towards a recumbent trike to provide mobility and freedom for his son Max. The trike will provide Max with independence and the ability to be a valued and contributing member of his community. With the funds Paul can start the process of customising the trike to Max’s needs.

Paula Hemara received a grant of $3,960 to purchase diabetic sensors to monitor his blood glucose levels. At the age of four, Kobe was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which brought on many challenges for him, including the fear of finger pricking. Kobe has come a long way since his diagnosis due to his parents’ determination to find ways to reduce his pain and support him on his journey. The sensors are inserted into Kobe’s arms every 10 days and set up on an app that shows continuous monitoring of his blood glucose levels, eliminating the need for finger pricks. The sensors alert when the blood glucose level is low or high, both of which can be life-threatening to Kobe. The sensors will provide better awareness to help manage Kobe’s diabetes more closely, allowing him to participate in more activities and be independent while at school.

Project Jonah’s vision is to create a world where marine mammals are respected, protected, and saved from unnecessary harm. The charity’s goal is to inspire and empower New Zealanders to take action, by giving them the practical skills to protect these animals and the oceans they call home. The charity received a grant of $1,476 to fund First Aid skills training for staff, equipping them with the necessary skills should they be required in the field.

Richmond Group Riding for the Disabled Incorporated provide specialised therapeutic horse riding through a range of tailored programmes for people living with physical, intellectual, emotional, and social challenges. The organisation received a grant of $1,274 to purchase a wide saddle to support unbalanced riders and to reduce stress levels of the horse.

Roger Williams received a grant of $3,726 to build a retaining wall for an in-ground trampoline for his 14-year-old son Zac who has autism. Zac is non-verbal and displays sensory-seeking behaviours to communicate his needs and frustrations through physical outlets such as jumping and swinging. Roger sourced a trampoline for Zac to support this soothing behaviour, but  he is afraid of heights, so Roger created an in-ground trampoline set up. It has helped with his emotional regulation, and doubles as a means of exercise. This has worked well over summer, but Roger is concerned that the winter rain will cause the walls of the pit to cave in. Roger will use the grant funds to construct a retaining wall to support the walls of the pit, ensuring the trampoline remains safe and accessible to Zac.