A NEW IDENTITY
Our new brand is designed to connect generous people who care with causes that matter, building something enduring for Canterbury's future.
Developed in partnership with local creative agency Antony & Mates, Kura Tāwhiti reflects a complete transformation – one focused on sustainable philanthropic growth, transparency, and building endowment funds that will support Canterbury for generations to come.
We are here for good, forever.
OUR NAME
In 2025, we embraced a new identity, transitioning from
The Christchurch Foundation to Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation.
Kura Tāwhiti was gifted by tangata whenua Ngāi Tahu to honour our cultural heritage while recognising our geographic reach across Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts, from the Rakaia River to Canterbury's northern regional boundary.
OUR NAME
In 2025, we embraced a new identity, transitioning from The Christchurch Foundation to Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation.
Kura Tāwhiti was gifted by tangata whenua Ngāi Tahu to honour our cultural heritage while recognising our geographic reach across Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts, from the Rakaia River to Canterbury's northern regional boundary.
BEHIND THE NAME
Kura Tāwhiti is the original name of Castle Hill, a place of great significance for Ngāi Tahu, located on the southern boundary of our area at the western ranges of the Southern Alps.
The name literally means "the treasure from a distant land" in te reo Māori, referring to the kūmara that was once cultivated in this region. Ngāi Tahu used this area as a mahinga kai and sacred resting place.
Kura has multiple meanings that align with our kaupapa – it describes the colour red, synonymous with Canterbury as a region. The word points to something precious or sacred, to be valued, preserved, and passed on. That's exactly what we're here to support – generosity that grows. For good, forever.
The name was gifted by Ngāi Tahu leader Te Maire Tau.
We connect generous people who care,
with causes that matter.
OUR LOGO
Our logo draws inspiration from Kura Tāwhiti itself – the limestone tors and the shapes they etch onto the horizon, the Karst landscape where water erodes soluble bedrock, and the story of Tane Tiki claiming one of the mountains for his daughter.
The logomark has three distinct elements, which align with our three focus pillars:
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A kākāpō feather, central to the Ngāi Tahu story about Tane Tiki, representing People
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A round limestone boulder, grounding us in place – our tūrangawaewae – representing Place
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A petal from the Castle Hill buttercup, linking our purpose with the Planet
These shapes come together in unique ways throughout our brand to represent our pillars and our purpose.
OUR COLOURS
Our colours honour Canterbury's identity while reflecting the natural landscape of Kura Tāwhiti Castle Hill.
The palette begins with a nod to kura's alternate meaning – red – a colour seared into the hearts of Cantabrians worldwide. This is balanced with earthy, natural tones: green for the kākāpō feather, beige for the limestone boulder, and yellow for the Castle Hill buttercup petal.
OUR VISION
Canterbury has inclusive and vibrant communities that offer opportunities for everyone to thrive, where the environment is cherished and protected so that our region is a dynamic and sustainable place to live for generations to come.
We will grow giving to benefit our communities now and for generations to come.
