Empowering Whangamatā into the future
Published on 4 September, 2026
Originally published by Whangamatā News, Friday 4 September 2026.
The Whangamatā Future Fund provides locals and visitors with the opportunity to help build a locally driven funding vehicle for the town and its surrounds.
It is one of six Coromandel ‘place based’ endowments established last year by Momentum Waikato Community Foundation, in partnership with Thames-Coromandel District Council and a network of forward-thinking locals.
Local resident Stephen Town is the first Whangamatā Future Fund Champion. He was Cyclone Recovery Lead at TCDC, where he saw the need for the Peninsula to develop its own funding sources, so he got involved in creating these funds, and after leaving the Council became a Momentum trustee.
“These Coromandel Future Funds are where generous and forward-thinking locals and businesses can intersect with government, iwi and councils, with each playing a role in building more resilient and successful communities.
“Whangamatā has both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, including the growing need for community services and old-age care facilities, and support for the swimming pool, Surf Club, social accommodation, and local schools.
“The Whangamatā Future Fund offers a simple and secure way to contribute to the future of Whangamatā,” says Stephen
Even a small gift in your Will, or donations now, will provide future generations here with the resources to improve and sustain Whangamatā. When the Fund reaches sufficient size, grants will be made from its income, with a portion re-invested to keep it growing.
September is Wills Month, a great time to find out more – contact Stephen via stephen.town60@gmail.com or visit momentumwaikato.nz/whangamatafuturefund.
