Several Wairoa-based community organisations have successfully secured funding as part of the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust’s 2025-26 community funding round, which saw more than half a million dollars distributed to 47 organisations across the Hawke’s Bay region.
The announcement comes as Hawke’s Bay marks three years since Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the region in February 2023, with Wairoa among the hardest-hit communities. The Trust’s commitment to supporting rural community recovery is informed by its own experience – all three of its farming stations sustained significant cyclone damage, with repairs only recently completed.
Among the successful Wairoa recipients are the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, the Wairoa Community Development Trust, Adventure Wairoa Incorporated, and the Wairoa A & P Society – organisations working across community development, youth leadership, agricultural heritage, and outdoor education.
“The Trust understands intimately what Cyclone Gabrielle recovery means for rural Hawke’s Bay communities,” says JFCT Trustee and Community Funding lead, Ana Apatu. “Our own stations faced extensive damage, and we’ve spent nearly two years rebuilding infrastructure and operations. That shared experience of recovery has reinforced our commitment to supporting the rural communities and organisations that are the backbone of this region.”
“Three years on from Cyclone Gabrielle, rural communities like Wairoa continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, and we’re privileged to support organisations doing vital work to strengthen community wellbeing, preserve agricultural heritage, and create opportunities for rangatahi. This is substantial, sustained investment in rural Hawke’s Bay’s future – and that’s exactly what these communities deserve.”
Wairoa Young Achievers Trust Chief Executive, Denise Eaglesome-Karekare, says “we’re deeply appreciative of this support, which recognises the importance of locally led solutions for our rangatahi and whānau. It strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful programmes in Wairoa and reinforces what can be achieved when funders and communities work together.”
Sefton Alexander, Wairoa Community Development Trust chair, says the funding received will enable them to deliver an outstanding seminar programme at the upcoming East Coast Farming Expo, bringing vital agri-business connections directly to the farming community. “We understand the rural landscape intimately, and the Expo creates opportunities for farmers to invest time working on their business without travelling long distances – it’s about celebrating the innovation, talent, and resilience of our East Coast farmers.”
Adventure Wairoa spokesperson, Christina Stockman, says “we’re incredibly grateful for the support from the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust, which enables us to repair our clubhouse roof damaged in recent severe weather events. “Adventure Wairoa serves as a vital hub for our community, particularly through our waka ama programme, which connects over 100 school children annually to their cultural heritage while keeping our doors open for the entire Wairoa community. This grant means we can focus our energy on what matters most – bringing our community together through sport, supporting our young people, and building resilience in the wake of recent natural disasters.”
Wairoa A & P Society Event Manager and spokesperson, Alice Wilson, says “we’re incredibly grateful for the support from the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust, which enabled us to put temporary infrastructure such as marquees and power in place after our existing buildings were damaged in the cyclone. The Wairoa A & P Show is a favourite on our community calendar and relies on the support of our wonderful sponsors, community organisations and volunteers. We were delighted to run a successful show this year for the first time since Cyclone Gabrielle.”
The Joan Fernie Charitable Trust’s inaugural community funding round attracted 116 applications from across Hawke’s Bay, requesting a total of more than $3.7 million in funding, demonstrating the strong demand for charitable support in the region. The $511,189 distributed in the 2025-26 community funding round represents meaningful community investment made possible through the Trust’s strategic modernisation and improved farming operations. “The response to our first funding round has exceeded expectations and validates our decision to modernise operations and establish transparent, accountable funding processes,” Ms Apatu said. “We’re now well-positioned to provide regular, reliable distributions to support Hawke’s Bay communities into the future.”
The Trust has established clear priority funding areas including community development, education and skills development, sustainable agriculture and environment, and health and wellbeing, with priority consideration given to initiatives benefiting communities near the Trust’s farming operations.
Looking ahead, the Trust plans to hold annual funding rounds, with details to be announced in the second half of the calendar year. Information about future funding opportunities will be made available at joanfernietrust.org.nz/community-funding.
About the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust
Established in 1977, the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust operates three substantial farming properties totalling over 7,200 hectares across Hawke’s Bay: Chesterhope Station at Pakowhai, Moeangiangi Station at Putorino, and Mangatapiri Station at Elsthorpe. The Trust honours the legacy of Joan Fernie, whose family was once the second largest landowner in the North Island.
The Trust is committed to supporting the Hawke’s Bay community by prioritising education for young people and the wellbeing and development of local communities. The Trust operates as a responsible and transparent steward of its resources, ensuring funding decisions contribute to long-term, meaningful outcomes for Hawke’s Bay’s people, land, economy, and environment.