Te Whakaora Tangata aims to serve the highest-risk families in South Auckland, addressing deep-rooted issues of trauma that cause intergenerational family dysfunction – depression, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and family breakdown. It has developed programmes that successfully engage ‘hard-to-reach’ parents and significantly increase child protective factors in the home. The organisation received a grant of $3,634 to purchase a heat pump, furniture and rug for its new counselling cabin being built on the property.

Turua School’s Garden to Table programme provides skills-based food education, giving children the knowledge and motivation to make healthy eating choices and the skills to grow and maintain their own vegetable garden. The school received a grant of $900 to purchase a three-bay compost system and kitset to practice sustainable skills of compost-making and recycling within the garden and outdoor classroom environment.

Waikanae Estuary Care Group’s goal is to restore the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve to its former flora and fauna status. The group is committed to a planting programme of the reserve for the next six to seven years by which time the restoration should be complete. The group has planted and nurtured around 70,000 native plants since 2006 and received a grant of $7,600 to purchase eco-seeds, compost, and plant support materials for a native plant nursery.

The Waikato Community Hospice Trust’s vision of “Living Every Moment” moves the focus of care delivery away from dying. Instead, it empowers staff to look at innovative ways to support patients in their care, and their whānau and caregivers, enabling them to make the most of every moment. The trust received a grant of $2,774.00 to purchase a transportable community bed to deliver care at patients’ homes. The community bed will be utilised by the Community Nursing Team to deliver care to patients in their own home and to improve patient’s quality of life by creating a more comfortable environment for them.

Whāingaroa Environment Centre’s vision is for Whāingaroa to flourish with natural biodiversity and to build a community connected to the environment. The centre received a grant of $866 to run a series of monthly science nights between July 2022 and June 2023. The science nights are inspired by current environmental issues and reflect the organisation’s concern in line with international and national Sustainability Development Goals. At each event, a specialist in their field will talk about their knowledge and educate residents of Whāingaroa.

Wood Hatton Playcentre is a bicultural organisation based on the philosophy of whānau tupu nga tahi, families growing together, and aims to empower adults and children to work, play, and learn together. The centre received a grant of $645.00 to purchase wet weather gear for bush sessions. The bush sessions allow for participants to embrace the strong spiritual bond with the land, papatuanuki, and preserve and pass on this bond with our tamariki as they grow. With winter approaching, wet weather gear will help children to stay warm and dry and ensure that the rain does not stop their play.

180 Degrees Trust offer a lifeline to vulnerable rangatahi by providing personalised mentoring and adventure therapy experiences. The trust has a vision to provide positive experiences that inspire young people to lead fulfilling and active lives. The trust received a grant of $2,313 to enable two new staff members to complete a full training and assessment qualification, providing them with their annual membership, and ensuring they are compliant with all health and safety processes. Once qualified, these staff members can organise, instruct and lead the multi-day tramping trips which make a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.

Age Concern New Zealand Inc is a charity dedicated to promoting the wellbeing, rights, respect, and dignity of people over 65. It is active and vocal on relevant issues, providing expert information and support to ensure older people stay connected with their family, friends, and community. Age Concern New Zealand Inc received a grant of $2,285 to print 15,000 copies of the “Would you like more company” resource brochure.

Alzheimers Society Taupo Inc received a grant of $601 to assist with producing its monthly newsletter. The newsletters allow the organisation to continue providing clients with support and up-to-date information about the disease from both a community and global level as they navigate through their journey.

Angie Hodgson received a grant of $5,899 towards an E-bike and special needs trailer trike that will allow her to continue supporting her disabled daughter, Isabella. Bella is greatly restricted due to transportation barriers, and as she is now getting heavier, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Angie to tow her on their biking trips. The purchase of the E-bike and special needs trailer will provide opportunities for Angie and Bella to engage with family and friends on outings, allowing them to utilise the biking trails in the Hawkes Bay region and ultimately benefiting Bella’s social and emotional development.