Kura Tāwhiti Board Announcement

Here at Kura Tāwhiti, we’re continually inspired by people who care deeply about our region and its future. As Graham Dockrill concludes his time on our Board, we reflect with gratitude on the dedication, insight, and generosity of spirit that have defined his term. 

Graham joined the former Christchurch Foundation in 2019 as a Board member for its UK sister charity. He then transferred to the New Zealand entity after pandemic travel restrictions took effect in 2020.  

“I’ve got an ethos that I follow in life, and that is to always try and give back more than you take. That’s the litmus test for every decision. At the end of the day, you’re dust.

I’ve had modest success [in life], and there comes a point where once you are contented with your lot, you begin searching for what you can do with your resources – your time, attention, and money – to make a difference.” 

 

His early tenure coincided with a period of extraordinary challenge for the region. The Foundation was juggling an emergency response and the coordination of international donations to support a city left reeling in the wake of the 2019 Mosque Attacks, a global pandemic, and successive natural disasters such as the Port Hills fires. 

Graham felt a “moral obligation” to ensure the Foundation’s longevity and sustainability, so it could continue supporting Cantabrians in their time of need. That instinct to serve can be traced back to his childhood in rural Seadown, where he grew up with a natural sense of kinship among family and members of the community. After starting his career in steel merchandising, a family tragedy later brought Graham to Christchurch as a mature student, where he resolved to channel this loss into personal growth. This preceded a career as a digital entrepreneur and founder where he gained governance experience across New Zealand and the UK. 

For Graham, being out in nature is a vital source of energy and grounding, but he admits his biggest buzz comes from sharing knowledge, supporting others, and quietly watching them flourish. Highlights of his time as a Trustee with the Foundation include the Tūī Corridor planting initiative with Meridian Energy, and mentoring recipients of the Women Entrepreneurs Fund – a role that naturally brought out his sense of humour and generosity. 

Graham considers the role of community foundations pivotal in building societal bonds at a time of rising division and discord. Canterbury’s resilience, he believes, has always been forged through adversity. Graham’s parting advice for Kura Tāwhiti heralds a new era of internal transformation and growth: stay true to our values, stay relevant, and deliver outcomes that the community can see and feel. “Everyone in the community should feel like they have skin in the game,” because of course, we all do.  

Graham’s contribution has helped bolster the Foundation’s mission to grow giving that benefits our communities now and for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks for Graham’s years of service and dedication to the Foundation and this special region.