Wrapping up 2023!


Published on 30 Nov 2023

Another busy year!

It has been another great year at the Waikato Women’s Fund, with five grants distributed and six enjoyable events. Thanks to everyone who came along to our most recent event, the Annual Members Meeting on Tuesday 28 November.

As we have communicated previously, we were particularly pleased the Fund returned a positive investment result this year of 6.79%, enabling more grants to local organisations, and continuing the Fund’s purpose to help women and girls achieve their aspirations.

We thank our current members for their ongoing support, and new members are always welcome – read more here.

Four grants awarded from 2023 investment returns

Ngaa mihi nui to the members who provided feedback on our proposal to award grants of $2,500 each to the four nominated organisations.

These are:

  • He Puaawai in Hamilton, which supports pregnant or teenage parents to complete their secondary school NCEA qualifications.

  • Hope Rising Farm in Ngaaruawaahia, which provides vulnerable youth and women life skills by partnering with friendly horses and donkeys through a series of well-being programmes.

  • Waitomo Waipa Women's Refuge, which provides support & advocacy for waahine, tamariki and whaanau who are experiencing family violence.

  • Shama Ethnic Women's Trust, a vibrant social service agency providing support, advocacy and programmes for ethnic women of all ages.

We are very pleased to support this amazing mahi.

Thanks to our 2023 Chair, Chantal Baxter!

With every year there are new committee members that come and go. Our wonderful 2023 Chair Chantal Baxter is stepping down and we are excited to welcomed two new committee members, Lucy Smith and Anna de Vries. They join 2023 committee members who are continuing in their voluntary roles, which includes Kate Cornege, Fiona Welch, Aandrea Murray, Tracy Hemingway, Nicky Preston, Sarah Krishnan and Aleise White.

Waahine Toa 2024 – Save the Date

We are aiming to hold a fundraising event in March 2024. Keep an eye out for an invite and link to RSVP in the New Year!