Autumn Update
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
As summertime draws to a close, we hope you've been able to make the most of the great outdoors that we're so fortunate to have on our doorstep. We're especially lucky to have such an amazing network of walking and cycling tracks within easy reach, though sadly, many of these were damaged by the heavy rains in February this year. That's why we've partnered with the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust to raise funds for local organisations working tirelessly to restore and strengthen popular tracks across the Peninsula. Read more about this Emergency Fund below, and please donate if you can so that we can continue to enjoy these iconic trails.
It’s exciting to see momentum building for Impact100 Canterbury, our collective giving network launched last year. March 31st marked the big reveal – the total of their inaugural 2026 grant for organisations supporting local women and families, which you can find out below. Expressions of interest from eligible charities are open from 1 April - 30 April, so please take a look at how to apply if your work is in this area.
We've also welcomed some new Trustees and team members this year! We are delighted to announce that Colin Mansbridge, CEO Crusaders, will join the board as co-Chair alongside Anake Goodall, and Tania Anderson joins as a new trustee. Pollyanne Peña has joined Kura Tāwhiti Foundation as our Donor Engagement Manager – please connect with her to learn more about setting up a fund or leaving a gift in your will. Liv Sinclair, our Marketing Coordinator since late last year, manages our online presence and supports with all things creative.
As always, if you'd like to find out more about Kura Tāwhiti Foundation and be part of growing generosity across Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri, we'd love to hear from you.
Help Restore Banks Peninsula's Beloved Trail Network
After the heavy rainfall on 17 February, many popular walking and biking tracks across Banks Peninsula were badly damaged. Flash flooding and slips have left sections of the trail network unsafe and unusable, with estimated repair costs exceeding $500,000.
We're aiming to raise $200,000 for Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust to distribute to local restoration groups. These include Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust, Orton Bradley Park, Living Springs, Summit Road Society, Mikimiki Conservation Trust and Rod Donald Trust.
Every contribution helps repair damaged tracks, restore swift and safe public access, and support ongoing maintenance and pest control. Donate today to help protect this iconic region and safely reopen your favourite adventure routes.
Impact100 Canterbury: The Big Reveal
The time has finally arrived to announce the total grant pool amassed over the past seven months from our generous local wāhine. We are thrilled to share that a mighty $26,000 will be granted in 2026 to charities supporting women and families in the Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts.
This follows the tremendously successful global giving model for women that turns individual generosity into collective impact – with a twist. Members pool their donations to fund a yearly grant to an outstanding local charity, enabling high-impact projects with real community benefits. Our local angle is that a portion of each donation is allocated to the Kate Sheppard Women's Endowment Fund, ensuring the voices and actions of wāhine are treasured, amplified and supported for generations to come.
A big round of applause for our incredible Impact100 Canterbury members and supporters, whose collective passion, commitment and generosity have created this incredible windfall for Canterbury women and whānau. We invite local charities working in this space to check their eligibility and submit an expression of interest between 01 April-30 April 2026.
Kura Tāwhiti Board Changes
Let the celebrations continue as we welcome Colin Mansbridge and Tania Anderson to the Kura Tāwhiti Foundation board table in 2026. Colin steps in as co-Chair alongside Anake Goodall, while Tania joins us as a new trustee. We’re thrilled to have their combined experience, energy, and insights guiding us this year.
Colin is a seasoned executive with experience across finance, sport, and the not-for-profit sector. As Crusaders CEO, he has led one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting franchises to remarkable success. He is committed to helping organisations build a more inclusive, thriving community from the inside out.
Tania is a systems designer, evaluator, and governance professional focused on social innovation and outcomes. She specialises in driving change in complex social systems, combining lived experience leadership and collaborative system design to help organisations achieve lasting impact within their communities.
Your Trust, Without the To-Do List
Struggling to manage your charitable trust or Incorporated Society after recent
changes to the Act? Kura Tāwhiti Foundation offers a simple solution. Transfer your trust to us and allow us to take on all the administrative burden: compliance, investment management, grant-making, and reporting. Your trust's charitable purpose continues, with none of the hassle.
Through robust governance and professional investment management, we ensure your legacy is protected and continually making a positive impact.
Giving in Aotearoa New Zealand Survey
Our fantastic peak body, Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ, recently launched the Giving in Aotearoa New Zealand Survey, and we'd love your input. Whether you donate or not, your voice helps us build a clearer picture of the whys and wherefores of generosity in Aotearoa. It's quick, anonymous and open to everyone living in New Zealand.
