Acorn’s AGM has become a highlight of the year for people across our community. A chance to catch up, enjoy good food and hear about the incredible things happening in the Western Bay of Plenty.

On Monday 16 November, we’ll gather at Toi Tauranga Art Gallery to reflect on the year and celebrate the generosity that makes this work possible. Alongside updates from our Board, you’ll hear directly from community organisations and scholarship recipients about their work, their journeys and what comes next.

During this year’s AGM, Toi Tauranga Art Gallery will be hosting Power to Define, an exhibition by George Watson, the inaugural recipient of the Jann Medlicott Award for Contemporary Art. The exhibition runs from 7 November 2026 to 25 April 2027.

Established through Dr Jann Medlicott’s generous bequest to Acorn Foundation and delivered in partnership with the gallery, the award supports contemporary art in Aotearoa. We're all very excited to see it in person!

Meet some of this year’s speakers

  • Emma — Rotoehu Ecological Trust
    Emma will share the work being done to protect kōkako and restore native forest, highlighting the volunteers and conservation partners making it happen. Her recent presentation at our Te Puke distributions event sparked plenty of conversation, and we’re excited to bring that story to more of our community.

  • Darren Wagstaff — Kenneth Perszyk Snr Adult Learner Scholarship recipient
    Darren will share his journey back into education and his passion for helping others through sport. Now pursuing a Bachelor in Sport, he hopes to become a teacher and inspire the next generation to reach their potential.

  • Haidee Kalirai & Tasman Mouldey — Welcoming Communities
    Haidee from Tauranga City Council and Tasman from Western Bay of Plenty District Council will share the work helping newcomers feel welcome, included and connected across our region. Together, they’ll highlight local collaboration, cultural connections and the part we can all play in building a sense of belonging—bringing this year’s Vital Impact Fund focus on migrant support to life.

  • Sophie-Maude Turner — Singer & songwriter
    Tauranga-born Sophie-Maude will bring live music to our celebration. Having opened for Hollie Smith and performed at Auckland’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, she loves connecting with audiences, and we’re so excited to welcome her to this year’s AGM!

Join the waitlist for Acorn’s 2026 AGM

Thank you for the wonderful response to this year’s AGM! All places are now filled, but we’d love to hear from you if you’re still keen to come along. Pop your details in below and we’ll be in touch if a spot opens up.

Please fill in a separate form for each person who’d like to join the waitlist. We can’t promise a place, but we hope to see you there!

A taste of an Acorn AGM From Last Years Event

Take a look at last year’s highlights for a glimpse of the stories, entertainment that make our AGM such a special evening.

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