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Community Stories

Rātā Foundation wants to touch, motivate and inspire through its Community Stories page, as well as give an insight into our own grant-making decisions.

If you have a great story to tell or want to know more contact our Communications Manager tanya.bethell@ratafoundation.org.nz.

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Bringing basketball to all in Mako country

Basketball is "flying" in New Zealand as it continues to win the numbers game in New Zealand, with the sport's top official hailing the latest participation figures and promising even further growth in years to come. An initiative in Marlborough to give more people access to one of the world's most popular sports is going from strength to strength. The Marlborough Basketball Association supports local people who wouldn't usually have access to the sport to play basketball, particularly young women and players who want to participate in junior grades.
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Grant supports best possible landscape-scale conservation outcomes in Te Tauihu

South Island’s largest funder Rātā Foundation has granted global conservation organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $754,007 to support the delivery of the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT) strategy. The grant will support the strategy to deliver the best possible conservation outcomes for people and nature in the Te Tauihu region. Acknowledging that conservation can go faster alone, but further together, 15 partners came together to form KMTT, currently the largest collaborative team working in conservation in Aotearoa.
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Ngāti Kuia precious whakapapa and vision immortalised in film project

The history, mahi, and relationships of Ngāti Kuia have been captured on film as part of a major documentary project assisted by funding from the Rātā Foundation. Over the years, local iwi and hapu have developed a close relationship with Rātā, says Ngāti Kuia General Manager David Johnston. The foundation recently helped the iwi complete a mighty Ngāti Kuia waka – a project that David describes as enabling whānau “to reconnect on our waka of old.”
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Generating a sustainable future for the Selwyn District

For more than 15 years, Rātā Foundation has supported a Canterbury environmental project that is helping the community contribute to a more sustainable future. Lincoln Envirotown Trust delivers several projects in the Selwyn District that help raise awareness of environmental issues and enable residents to engage and create action in their community.
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One night a week farmers trade the paddock for the beach to improve mental health and well-being

One night each week over Summer, farmers trade the paddock for the beach in a ground-breaking learn to Surf programme – Surfing for Farmers. The programme aims to support farmers' mental health and well-being and reduce the social isolation that sometimes accompanies farming. Part of a national charity, Surfing for Farmers, is a local programme run on weeknights during the warmer months at Gore Bay, Hickory Bay and Sumner Beach for rural women and men who often work in what can be lonely and isolated jobs. Farmers across the region are invited to come together, learn to surf, relax and catch up over a barbeque.
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Selwyn Sports Trust breaking barriers to keep the community active

Enriching people’s lives and well-being through physical activity is the key motivator behind the Selwyn Sports Trust, which continues to grow in the Selwyn community. The trust is removing potential barriers by providing opportunities for kids and adults of all ages to participate in sports and active recreation in the region.
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Makingtrax helps take ‘inclusive adventure’ to the world

Rātā has supported an inspiring company championing inclusive tourism in their mahi to improve access to outdoor adventure sports, which have traditionally been out of reach for many Kiwis and tourists with disabilities. Makingtrax will use the funding to promote inclusive adventure activities by working with existing sporting and recreation organisations and providing the special equipment and training to make it happen. The company’s founder, Jezza Williams, says it’s about making Aotearoa New Zealand’s exciting and diverse recreation and adventure opportunities available to everyone.
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Get on your bike to improve community wellness

Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, an innovative community venture has helped more than 17,000 people to recycle and learn how to fix bikes for themselves and others. “Improving community wellbeing is one of RAD Bikes’ core kaupapa (purposes),” says Jess Smale, RAD General Coordinator. Through its community-focused services, RAD Bikes is helping people get involved in cycling across the city and Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Bringing back the iconic whio to the Nelson Lakes district

A community-led project aimed at supporting the growth of the iconic whio or blue duck population in the Nelson Lakes and further protecting the area around the Rotoiti Nature Recovery project, which has kaka, kea, and kiwi populations, has been given a boost with nearly $209,000 in funding.
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Staying physically active for life starts at a young age

Thousands of North Canterbury children have been introduced to sporting activity programmes as soon as they start primary school, thanks to the efforts and dedication of the North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust (NCSRT) over almost four decades.
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Rātā Foundation assists SCAPE public art project, bringing history of Chinese market gardening to life

Two city market sites created exclusively by renowned artist Jacquelyn Greenbank provided valuable learning on the diverse history of Chinese market gardening and agriculture to students from schools across Christchurch over the SCAPE Public Art Season. The Starfruit and Starfruit Fruiterer exhibitions spanned across two street sites - one real, at 130 Armagh Street where there used to be a Chinese fruiterer, and one recreated within The Christchurch Street at the Canterbury Museum.
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White-flippered penguins a focus, as Blue Cradle puts marine education in the spotlight

The ocean is life. That is one message that the Blue Cradle Foundation is delivering to New Zealanders through its work and mission of making marine science more accessible to everyone. The Ōtautahi-based charitable trust, established in April 2020, focuses on advocacy, research expeditions, documentary filmmaking, and education for ocean literacy to get their message across.
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Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is guiding Christchurch rangatahi into adulthood

It’s an important time in a person’s life when making the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For some people, this is a difficult time. However, one Christchurch organisation – Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi - is standing by to offer support and guidance.
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Construction industry focuses on reducing suicide rates

The construction industry has the highest rate of suicides, which is more than any industry in New Zealand – and this is an alarming statistic. The Canterbury Safety Charter (the Charter), a not-for-profit charitable organization, tackles this issue head-on – thanks to funding from the Rātā Foundation. The Charter’s Manager Paul Duggan says research shows that if a person works in the construction industry, they are also more likely to die by suicide than by accident on site. “We put a lot of resources into eliminating accidents, but the real need is in the mental health area and suicide prevention,” Mr Duggan said.
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An antidote to social isolation – it’s time to head to the shed

Many older men experience social isolation as they retire. The Halswell Menzshed offers the perfect antidote, providing a safe, welcoming place for them to put their well-honed DIY skills to work, fostering new friendships as a result.
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Helping to bridge the digital divide

In New Zealand’s race to be technological leader, the digital divide continues to grow. Separating those who have digital knowledge and access, with those who don’t.
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The arts should be at every young person’s fingertips

Every child in Canterbury should have access to theatre and be provided with an opportunity to express themselves creatively. It is a big goal, but one The Court Theatre is tackling head-on.
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Rugby League drives 2020 Pacific Series – but culture the point of difference

The fifth edition of the Rugby League Pacific Series, held in mid-November 2020, was the biggest yet, with rugby league driving the series, but a celebration of Pasifika culture adding the point of difference.
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Strengthening the Sector

Lana Shields talks impact with LinC

Rātā Foundation has been working alongside LinC (Leadership in the Community) to bring you stories of positive impact in our communities.
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Strengthening the Sector

Jan-Hai Ratana talks impact with LinC

Rātā Foundation has been working alongside LinC (Leadership in the Community) to bring you stories of positive impact in our communities.
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Strengthening the Sector

Erica Austin talks impact with LinC

Rātā Foundation has been working alongside LinC (Leadership in the Community) to bring you stories of positive impact in our communities.
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Strengthening the Sector

Henry Jaiswal talks impact with LinC

Rātā Foundation has been working alongside LinC (Leadership in the Community) to bring you stories of positive impact in our communities.
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Strengthening the Sector

Dana McKay talks impact with LinC

Rātā Foundation has been working alongside LinC (Leadership in the Community) to bring you stories of positive impact in our communities.
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Strengthening the Sector

Steve Jones-Poole talks impact with LinC

Rātā Foundation has been working alongside LinC (Leadership in the Community) to bring you stories of positive impact in our communities.
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The Christchurch Aunties March On

Tucked away in their warehouse the Christchurch Aunties are hard at work – providing practical support to women and children who’ve experienced domestic violence and vulnerability.
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Faces of Funding: Kaipupu Sanctuary

We strengthen communities by funding projects that inspire sustainability, like Kaipupa Sanctuary. Kaipupu Point, is a mainland conservation island in Picton Harbour. They help protect and sustain the Sanctuary’s unique plants and wildlife. It is also an important environmental learning place for children.
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Faces of Funding: Sports Tasman

We strengthen communities by funding projects that inspire participation, like Sports Tasman in Nelson. Sport Tasman want more people to be more active, more often. And to do so they support local sports clubs, helping them upskill and inspire new members.
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Faces of Funding: He Waka Tapu

We strengthen communities by funding projects that inspire support, like kauapapa Māori organisation He Waka Tapu. He Waka Tapu provide physical, emotional and spiritual support across a range of services, like drug and alcohol dependency, domestic violence and suicide prevention.
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Faces of Funding: Learn

We strengthen communities by funding projects that inspire learning, like Whenua Iti Outdoors in Nelson.
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Faces of Funding: Phillipstown Hub

We strengthen communities by funding projects that inspire connections, like Philippstown Hub in Canterbury. Philipstown Hub is the local ‘go-to’ gathering place. Where the folk and Whānau of Philipstown can come together to hang out, have fun and start getting to know each other.
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Faces of Funding: Nelson Angel Women's Loan Fund

The Nelson Angel Women’s Loan Fund defines success as supporting women to reach their dreams.
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Faces of Funding: North Canterbury Mini Bus Trust

Being able to get out and about to socialise can make all the difference to vulnerable people in our communities – and the North Canterbury Mini Bus Trust helps make that happen in the Waimakariri district.
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Connecting during COVID-19:Safeguarding Children

Over the past two months Nelson-based child protection registered charity Safeguarding Children had a 486 per cent increase in people registering for their child protection eLearning course.
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Connecting during COVID-19: He Waka Tapu

From providing kai to whānau, to operating Canterbury’s only community-run COVID-19 testing station, He Waka Tapu has weathered the storm to continue supporting the community.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Whenua Iti Outdoors

Young adventurers may not have been able to go hiking or kayaking during lockdown, but Whenua Iti Outdoors made sure young people could still experience nature within their bubbles.
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Support Local: Cultivate Christchurch

Cultivate Christchurch is a social enterprise which enables young people to get their hands dirty and gain valuable work experience on urban farms in the central city, which produce organic fruit and vegetables.
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Support Local: Trees for Canterbury

Trees for Canterbury Manager Steve Bush says it’s important, now more than ever, for kiwis to support their local businesses.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Marlborough Youth Trust

From using Snapchat to record fun videos of themselves, to having hang-out sessions via Zoom, the team at Marlborough Youth Trust (MYT) have gone the extra mile to support young people during COVID-19.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Sport Tasman

The COVID-19 lockdown and changing Alert Levels have forced many sports groups and facilities to put on the brakes – but the team at Sport Tasman have launched a number of online initiatives to encourage people in the community to keep active.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Scouts NZ

They may not be able to connect in person, but Scouts across the country have found new and innovative ways to keep scouting during COVID-19, this includes opening up their programme to the wider community.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Royal New Zealand Ballet

Feel like getting all dressed up for a night at the ballet? The Royal New Zealand Ballet have got just the thing.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Student Volunteer Army

For vulnerable people in the community unable to leave their home during COVID-19 getting to the supermarket has turned into mission impossible – but the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) has launched an initiative to help.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Age Concern Nelson Tasman

One positive that will hopefully come out of the COVID-19 lockdown, says Age Concern Nelson Tasman Manager Caroline Budge, is people will gain a better understanding of how important social connection is for wellbeing.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Mental Health Education & Resource Centre

Taking the time to pause and enjoy the simple things in life is key to maintaining wellbeing during lockdown.
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Connecting during COVID-19: Nathan Wallis

Wellbeing Expert Nathan Wallis has been giving parents working from home an essential piece of advice: if you can do some schoolwork with your child, that’s great – but it’s just as important to focus on wellbeing.
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Christchurch Kidney Society supporting patients and their whānau

An estimated 400,000 New Zealander’s are affected by kidney disease. The Christchurch Kidney Society works with Christchurch Hospital’s Nephrology Department to co-ordinate a number of care programmes to support patients and their families.
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Rolleston Toy Library a 'labour of love'

“Good toys are often expensive and not affordable for many families. A toy library enables its members to borrow a wide range of well-designed and educational toys at minimal cost, enabling them to support their child's learning requirements," Rolleston mum Fiona Morland says.
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Imagination Station inspiring children and adults alike

“A lot of people, especially in today’s generation, know LEGO – it’s very familiar, it’s tactile, it’s simple, and the opportunities are endless. Imagination is the limit,” Imagination Station Managing Director Sam Butcher says.
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Athletics Canterbury enter a 'new era'

“It’s not just about the sport, but about connecting the community and putting a focus on making healthy choices so people can thrive in all areas of their life," Athletics Canterbury Board President Andrew Stark says.
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Volunteers sustaining the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai

A plot of land once used as industrial space has been transformed into a reserve teeming with native bush and wildlife., thanks to the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust.
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Pasifika community celebrates culture through sport

“Culture and family are the driving causes for us. Sport is a vehicle for bringing families together, and when you have so many families representing different cultures, the game takes on a whole new meaning,” South Island Pasifika & Sports Association Chairman Iosua Tauiti says.
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Chris Ruth Centre changing lives

“They get out and about in the community, doing things that bring them both enjoyment and purpose. For some of our clients, it gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning," Chris Ruth Centre General Manager Marilyn Paston says.
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Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival marks 80 years

“A healthy, natural environment provides a solid foundation for everything that is of value to people – food, water, shelter, health."
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Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust connecting the community

“A healthy, natural environment provides a solid foundation for everything that is of value to people – food, water, shelter, health."
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Church on the Hill to unveil new community centre

After almost 15 years of hard work and planning, the Richmond community is set to unveil a brand new community centre.
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Performers at Christchurch Circus Trust flying high

“It’s a community circus – it’s about building people up to have resilience, joy and confidence,” Christchurch Circus Trust Director Lisa Wingfield says.
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Nelson ARK changing the lives of youths and their four-legged friends

At Nelson ARK, at-risk youth have the chance to learn compassion, respect and responsibility through training rescue dogs.
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Volunteers at the heart of Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary

In Picton, you’ll find many of the locals have a passion for the environment.
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Koru Native Wildlife Centre helping species thrive

Conservationists Ellen and Brian Plaisier are passionate about New Zealand's flora and fauna - they breed a range of native species at their wildlife centre.
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New Queen Charlotte Yacht Club an asset for Picton community

“We’ve been operating on good old Kiwi number eight wire for many years, so the new facilities will enable us to run better quality events," says Queen Charlotte Yacht Club Treasurer Ian Gardiner.
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Kaiapoi Food Forest connecting the community

“The whole idea of the food forest is about connecting people,” Kaiapoi Food Forest co-creator Brent Cairns says.
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Wilding pine control transforming the Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds is one step closer to regaining its natural landscape as a wilding pine control project gets the green light to forge ahead.
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Can Do Café opens its doors

Hayden Dixon lives with a traumatic brain injury resulting in lowered emotional intelligence, increased anxiety and concrete thinking – but that doesn’t hold him back in his job at Can Do Café
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Manaakitanga at the heart of Canterbury Film Society

The Canterbury Film Society has found a new home at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, giving them the opportunity to grow their culture of manaakitanga.
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Crossroads Youth With a Future inspiring our young people

Crossroads Youth With a Future works with schools in Christchurch to give young people the tools they need to be ‘leaders of their own lives’ through their Stay Real programme.
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“It doesn’t matter that my legs don’t work”: Handmade Studio making a difference

Twenty-five-year-old Sarah Kerr has cerebral palsy, which affects body movement and co-ordination – but her condition doesn't hold her back at Handmade Studio Charitable Trust.
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Strengthening the Sector

Whanau Ora: Jay Hepi and Mathias Pitama

He Toki founders Jay Hepi and Mathias Pitama talk about their trades programme, and their role at the 2019 Whanau Ora Symposium.
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Strengthening the Sector

Whanau Ora: Dave Johnston

Ngati Kuia general manager Dave Johnston talks about the 2019 Whanau Ora Symposium, and the journey his iwi have been on in a bid to increase sustainability.
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Strengthening the Sector

Whanau Ora: Ruth Jones

Hei Whakapiki Mauri founder Ruth Jones talks about her part in the 2019 Whanau Ora Symposium, and how her programme helps Maori with disabilities.
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Strengthening the Sector

Whanau Ora: Anton Matthews

FUSH co-owner Anton Matthews talks about his part in the 2019 Whanau Ora Symposium, and what the future holds for his business.
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Strengthening the Sector

Whanau Ora: Helen Leahy

Te Putahitanga o Te Waipounamu chief executive Helen Leahy talks about the 2019 Whanau Ora Symposium.
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Geelong Grammar School Vice Principal Charlie Scudamore talks wellbeing

Geelong Grammar School Vice Principal Charlie Scudamore speaks about his 10-year journey to positive wellbeing at school - and why the journey isn't over.
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Nelson's iconic Boathouse back in all its glory

“We hope by summer that everything will be as good as, and better than it ever was,” says Boathouse Nelson manager Amie-Jo Trayes.
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Avonside Girls' High School student Jess Marquet talks wellbeing

Avonside Girls' High School student Jess Marquet talks about her struggle losing a family friend to suicide, and how important is it to spread the message of positive wellbeing.
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Strengthening the Sector

Safeguarding Children Initiative sparking positive change in child protection

“There is very limited training available, so we are here trying to fill that gap and offer training to community groups, and really it’s all about changing perceptions and beliefs," says Safeguarding Children marketing manager Liz Crawshaw.
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Psychologist Nigel Latta talks wellbeing and mindfulness

"All of the things that help children to learn in school are improved by focusing on a positive approach to their wellbeing," says psychologist Nigel Latta.
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Shirley Boys' High School's Pete Beswick talks wellbeing

Shirley Boys' High School's Pete Beswick shares what initiatives and programmes the school runs to put a focus on wellbeing.
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Shirley Boys' High School student Mitchell Power talks wellbeing

Shirley Boys' High School student Mitchell Power discusses some of the stresses young men deal with, and how his school is working to promote wellbeing among students.
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Cashmere High School student Jorja Farrant talks wellbeing

Cashmere High School student Jorja Farrant shares some of the things she has learnt on the wellbeing committee at Cashmere High.
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Cashmere High School's Shawn Edwards-Brown talks wellbeing

Cashmere High School's Shawn Edwards-Brown talks about how important it is to give students the tools they need to improve wellbeing.
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Darfield High School's Todd Adams talks wellbeing

Darfield High School deputy principal Todd Adams shares what the school is doing to promote wellbeing in the classroom.
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Darfield High School student Corien Blom talks wellbeing

Darfield High School student Corien Blom talks about what actions can be taken to improve wellbeing at school.
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Marian College student Emma Pitcaithly talks wellbeing

Marian College student Emma Pitcaithly shares her thoughts on how youth battle mental health problems at school.
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Marian College student Brook Sowden talks wellbeing

Marian College student Brooke Sowden talks about what wellbeing means to youth in this day and age.
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Nelson Tasman Pasifika Trust helping families in need

“The difference between privilege and poverty is actually having choices, so what we try to do is we try to give people choices," says Nelson Tasman Pasifika Trust manager Jennifer Beatson.
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Te Pataka O Wairau Night Market a hit

Fancy perusing a market full of locally-made products, cultural exhibitions and entertainment? Head to Blenheim's Te Pataka O Wairau Night Market.
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He Waka Tapu providing much-needed services

He Waka Tapu makes reaching out for help easier with their physical, mental, spiritual and family well-being services.
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Community efforts lead to successful dawn chorus

The combined efforts of Picton locals has seen a dawn chorus return to the Marlborough Sounds.
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Cholmondeley making a difference for at-risk children

Cholmondeley Children's Centre is a place of respite for at-risk youth.
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Avebury House reaches out to community

Avebury House, in Richmond, is used as a community hub - and locals couldn't be happier.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters providing role models for youths

Every young person needs someone to look up to - and that's exactly the point of the programme Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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Marlborough Youth Trust giving young people a voice

For 19 years, the Marlborough Youth Trust has been an essential outlet in allowing youths to have their say.
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Sumner community garden flourishing

Fruit, vegetables and flowers are growing in abundance at Sumner's Van Asch Community Garden.
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Link Pathway leads the way to more connected communities

The Link Pathway has just added another completed section with Skakespeare Bay to Picton opening, and locals are ecstatic.
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Bros for Change helping boys become men

Bros for Change takes about 40 boys each year and gives them the skills to become responsible, hard-working young men.
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Coastal Trail

Rātā Foundation has gotten firmly behind the proposed Coastal Trail, a separated cycleway and walkway, with a grant of $600,000, from its 2016 Earthquake Recovery Fund, towards development costs for the trail. Leighton Evans, Chief Executive of the Foundation, says the decision was made recently by the Board to provide significant support to the project, estimated to be $900,000 in the first year. The total project has been estimated at a cost of $9 million.
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Wharenui Gators

The Wharenui Gators are a basketball club based in the western suburbs of Christchurch.
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Amber-Rose's Story

Amber-Rose looks at the smiling faces of the children cooking in the kitchen of New Brighton’s Youth Alive Trust and reflects on her long involvement with the programme, first as a participant and now as a volunteer.
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Glennis's Story

Kaikoura Museum volunteer Glennis is having a busy day on the job but she wouldn’t have it any other way. A real ‘jack of all trades’ she is involved in all aspects of Museum life – her enthusiasm and passion for the task at hand flowing through everything she says.
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Dougal's Story

Dougal has been with the Whenua-Iti Ora Trust’s ‘Journey’ programme as a tutor for twelve years. The course aims to increase confidence and resilience by building outdoor skills and knowledge.
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