Momentum Waikato Update - April 2025
Published on 11 April, 2025
Nau Mai, Haere Mai!
Welcome to the Momentum Waikato Update for April, as ever we have stories to tell and views to express...
Hillcrest alumni launch Fund for their school
ABOVE: A scene from Hillcrest High School's production of The Scarlet Pimpernel in 2021.
TOP: A Hillcrest High basketball team in action.
When the Waikato Symphony Orchestra played at the recent Hamilton Arts Festival, roughly a third of the musicians on stage were former students of one local secondary school.
Hillcrest High School is well known for producing such artistic graduates, reflecting its holistic approach to education, which encourages students to try things out and become successful all-rounders. The second largest school in the city, with 1800 students and 79 ethnicities, its goal is “to educate and develop young people of whom our community will be proud”.
Brian Winter enjoyed his schooling experience there and is involved with the Hillcrest High School Alumni and Community Society, which has now established a philanthropic investment fund at Momentum Waikato – the Hillcrest High School Future Fund.
“What I loved about Hillcrest High is that you could give anything a go and find out how you fit in,” says Brian.
Building bridges between communities and philanthropy
By Holly Snape, Trustee, Momentum Waikato.
As both the Chief Executive of Community Waikato and a board member of Momentum Waikato, I see the challenges and the opportunities in connecting philanthropy with the work of the charity sector.
While I can’t speak for all communities, I am committed to ensuring everyone’s needs and perspectives are consistently considered in philanthropic decision-making, so that funding models support sustainable and locally driven change.
Momentum Waikato sits at a vital juncture in the local for-purpose eco-system, connecting community needs with philanthropic resources. As someone deeply embedded in the community sector, I see first-hand the impact of its work and its potential for transformative change. But I also see the tensions, especially around how funding models shape the way communities can, or can’t, lead their own development.
Community-led development is powerful. It ensures solutions are driven by those who live with the challenges, who understand the strengths of their own people, and who will be there long after a project or funder moves on.
How to support Matthew's support
The Gemini Trust was set up in 1995 to support the work of CCS Disability Action Waikato, the local branch of New Zealand’s largest disability support and advocacy organisation.
Across the country, CCS Disability Action supports disabled people of any age with impairments of any type.
Its Waikato Local Executive Committee established the Fund for CCS Disability Action Waikato with Momentum Waikato at the end of 2023 by transferring over its investment portfolio to create the new Fund. This allowed the Gemini Trust to be wound up, while its funding mission can continue forever in the hands of Momentum.
The work of CCS Disability Action Waikato makes a huge difference in the lives of disabled people and their whaanau across the Waikato, Coromandel and King Country.
One person who the organisation supports is Matthew Slone (pictured above), someone who, in his dad David’s words, “spreads joy.”
“Matthew is an incredibly cheerful, friendly person, and that friendliness is contagious,” said David.
The 31-year-old has a learning disability and has been supported by CCS Disability Action’s Waikato branch for around 10 years. He is also employed as a caretaker at the local branch, work he enjoys.
We’re back — and ready for what’s next
The Waikato Women’s Fund is entering a fresh chapter, and we want you with us.
Over the past few months, a group of founding members have come together to steady the waka, and now we’re getting ready to grow.
✨ We're reconnecting with our community
✨ We’re rebuilding with purpose
✨ And we’re returning to our kaupapa.
A movement of wāhine and allies, giving together to back bold, wāhine-led change across our rohe.
Whether you give time, pūtea, skills or heart — there’s a place for you here.
The next six months are all about reconnection, new energy, and collective action. Stay tuned for donation campaigns, inspiring stories, and new ways to be part of the impact.
The mahi’s not done. Let’s do it together.
Get in touch with the Waikato Women's Fund.
From awareness to action - be an Upstander
ABOVE: The Waikato Intercultural Fund team.
Race Relations Day was on 21 March 2025, with the theme “Aotearoa kanorau taurikura – Uniting diverse communities for a thriving New Zealand” - here's the Waikato Intercultural Fund statement to mark the date...
On this day, the Waikato Intercultural Fund committee and its Movement for Open Culture Aotearoa (MOCA) calls on our community not just to commemorate, but to commit to meaningful change.
While this Day offers a moment for celebration of our diverse communities, we must acknowledge an uncomfortable truth - racial discrimination, micro-aggressions and prejudice occur in our communities every day. These incidents may not always make headlines, but they profoundly impact the lives and wellbeing of those who experience them.
The Waikato Intercultural Fund is held by Momentum Waikato, the region’s community foundation, and managed by a committee of determined volunteers from the local community.
Our purpose extends beyond promoting awareness. We actively encourage and empower the peoples and communities of the Waikato to embrace an intercultural worldview that transforms our daily interactions. True inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands conscious action.
The question we must all ask ourselves is: When confronted with discrimination, will we be mere bystanders or courageous upstanders?
Our Impact, Your Generosity, Aotearoa’s Future
News from our peak body Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.
CFANZ is excited to share our 23/24 Annual Impact Report, celebrating the power of generosity across Aotearoa. From Te Tai Tokerau to Murihiku, our network of Community Foundations is growing, helping people give in ways that create lasting impact where it matters most.
Inside, you’ll find inspiring kōrero of local manaakitanga in action—gifts that are shaping stronger, more connected communities. This is what happens when smarter giving becomes a force for good.
Nau mai, take a look and see the difference we’re making together.
Help Grow Momentum Waikato Community Funds
The Waikato is a region of exceptionally generous people who makes things happen!
Our role at Momentum Waikato is to connect these people to activities that contribute to creating thriving communities.
A better Waikato for everyone, forever!
By donating into any of our purpose or place-based community funds listed below, your generosity will increase the fund’s positive social and-or environmental impact into the future. Donations can be one-off gifts, big or small, or through a gift in your Will.
Go to Momentum Waikato Community Funds to read more about each of our funds.
