A Year of Giving: How Women Are Creating Lasting Change Across the Western Bay
Where generosity meets impact, and women empower women to create a lasting ripple of change in our region.
The Western Bay of Plenty Women's Fund marked its first anniversary guided by the Māori philosophy of "ka mua, ka muri," walking backwards into the future with eyes fixed on the past. The essence of the fund is understanding that the actions of today create ripples that extend far into the future. The fund represents a community of compassionate people united by a shared vision to make a real difference in the lives of women and whānau in the region.
50% of every donation will be paid annually to chosen charity recipients for immediate impact, while the remaining 50% builds an endowment fund. The endowment portion creates a perpetual, self-sustaining source of support that will continue benefiting our community for generations to come. As of 30 June 2025, nearly 100 individuals and organisations have contributed to the fund, including 20 dedicated monthly supporters. Their collective generosity has resulted in nearly $50,000 in donations.
In the fund’s inaugural year, the 50/50 model has already been seen in action. The fund distributed $15,000, split evenly between three local organisations. Members and supporters gathered at an anniversary long lunch in May 2025 at Persimmon Lane to reflect on a remarkable year of philanthropy and impact in our region. The anniversary proved to be an extraordinary afternoon of connection, celebration, and community spirit.
Highlights of the afternoon included moving speeches from the three grant recipients: CJ Dafoe, Mums4Mums, Dr Moana Tane - Tauranga Living Without Violence Collective Trust and Hazel Hape - Tauranga Women's Refuge.
The impact of this support is reflected in the heartfelt words from recipient organisations. Dr Moana Tane, CEO of Tauranga Living Without Violence shared, "Thank you again for your generous donation of $5,000 toward our work with wāhine and tamariki, who have experienced or witnessed violence, in creating spaces where they can express themselves safely and creatively toward healing. We are so grateful for your support."
2025 Recipients Making a Difference
Mums4Mums used the funds for operational costs, so they can continue to support mums and babies in their community for the best possible outcomes. CJ Dafoe expressed her gratitude for the organisation's recent funding success. "We are very grateful for the support of the WBOP Women's Fund and honoured to be one of its first recipients. Thank you to all the women and team behind the scenes who make this fund such a success."
Tauranga Living Without Violence has used their $5,000 grant to fund creative arts therapy sessions led by Mara Takiwa, a skilled art therapist. The impact has been profound. Through drama, visual arts, natural arts, and gentle somatic exercises, participants have found a culturally respectful, trauma-informed space to express, regulate, and restore.
Tauranga Women's Refuge has directed their funding toward their children's holiday programme, supporting sibling groups and one-on-one children's education through recreational, cultural, and social excursions and activities.
Fund Chair Hayley Nelson reflects on this milestone achievement: "We are overwhelmingly grateful and proud of what we have been able to achieve collaboratively in the first year of our giving circle.” Being accessible and inclusive for anyone to give back to our community with kindness, is important to us and we have hope that this empowerment will continue to resonate with current and future members. Hearing how the funds have been used by the recipient charities really is heartwarming and a testament to the generosity of our member donors. On behalf of our committee, thank you."
The process for selecting recipients reflects the commitment to community-driven impact. Charities are nominated by the fund’s members. The voluntary Steering Committee reviews these nominations to create a shortlist, then members vote to determine the recipients. The 2026 recipients will be announced at the Annual Members' Meeting in May 2026, with a focus on personal safety and security.
The fund extends its heartfelt gratitude to all members whose generous donations have made this first year of impact possible. Sincere thanks also go to groups and businesses, who have championed the cause through hosting fundraising events, spreading awareness, and connecting the fund with like-minded supporters. Special appreciation goes to the volunteers on the Steering Committee who dedicate their time and expertise to guide decision-making, and to all the individuals who have shared the fund's story, nominated worthy charities, and helped build this growing community of women empowering women.
This first year has demonstrated the power of collective action guided by wisdom from the past and hope for the future.