Momentum Waikato is saddened by the passing of John Mortimer, one of our foundational supporters, who died last Thursday aged 94.

We express our deepest condolences to Bunny and her family. John was deeply passionate about nature and conservation and a true philanthropist. With Bunny, he has created a lasting legacy for the future of Hamilton and the Waikato.

John and Bunny are most well known for gifting the Taitua Arboretum to the city of Hamilton in 1997. Recently they made another decision that will have an effect on the Waikato forever – they turned to Momentum Waikato for help supporting their favourite charities in their own way.

Setting up a perpetual fund through Momentum Waikato Community Foundation, John and Bunny have insured Taitua Arboretum will receive 100% distribution from their perpetual fund year after year, and their $100,000 will continue to grow in perpetuity. Other charities receiving direct gifts from the Mortimers through the Foundation are the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, the New Zealand Native Forest Restoration Trust, Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, Tane’s Tree Trust and the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.