On Monday, 17 November, our community came together at The Tauranga Club for the Acorn Foundation’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, an evening filled with connection, reflection, and a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible mahi happening across the Western Bay of Plenty.

The night began with a warm atmosphere as guests arrived, reconnected, and shared conversation over beautiful grazing platters. Following the annual committee updates from our Trustee's, the room shifted into a moment of calm with a stunning performance by the Opus Orchestra string quartet.

From there, the heart of the evening unfolded through a series of powerful, moving talks from our community partners and a scholarship recipient. Each speaker brought their own story, yet all carried a shared thread of hope, resilience, and a genuine love for our region.

Our speakers for 2025 were:

• Krista Dixon, Live for More – sharing honest, heartfelt stories about the young men they support.

• Ash Morgan, Outflow Trust – bringing emotion and authenticity as he spoke about their work cleaning up the harbour and their recent collaboration with Live for More.

• Charlotte Ward, Acorn Scholarship Recipient – inspiring the room with her strength, determination, and honesty about her personal journey.

• Rondell Reihana, Army of Aunties – closing the evening with warmth, humour, and a reminder of the power of community care.

It was one of those nights that left people feeling genuinely uplifted. The combination of music, storytelling, and shared purpose created a beautiful sense of unity, a reminder of what’s possible when generosity and community come together.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence and support help us continue building a stronger, kinder, and more connected Western Bay of Plenty for generations to come.

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Photo Highlights From This Year's AGM Event