Waihinga Centre

It’s Official!

It’s very good news. The Charities Commission has granted the Waihinga Centre community fundraising project charitable status.

Why is this important? It means there is now a clear legal framework for our community fundraising activities. Flowing from this, as a legal entity, we are now able to raise funds and accept donations, gifts and bequests. We can also open a bank account which enables us to begin calling on pledges and to earn interest on these and any other money raised.

The charitable status is also important for you, if you wish to make a financial contribution to the project, you will be able to claim a rebate on your donation.

The official name is Waihinga Charitable Trust. There are currently five trustees: David Kershaw, Ro Griffiths, Catherine de Groot, Lisa Cornelissen (appointed by the Mayor) and Max Stevens (appointed by the Martinborough Community Board). Further trustees may be appointed as needed. If you would like to see a copy of the Trust Deed please email info@waihingacentre.nz.

Although a substantial amount of money has been pledged, the fundraising campaign needs to continue. Applications for grants are continuing, as are community-based activities. Here are a few of the events you might like to support in coming months.

30 June (Tuesday) Deborah Coddington talks about her new book, The Good Life on Te Muna Road. Circus Cinema. Tickets $20, available from Circus.

11 July (Saturday) Mid-Winter Vintage Fair, 10am-3pm.

Cattle Drive, This has been in progress for some time and continues to be generously supported by local farmers.

Cockies in Frockies, This ever-popular evening is planned for later in the year.

Community Fete, To celebrate the turning of the sod, a party for the whole community.

Supporter Profile: Bridg and Andy Mathewson

Bridg and Andy arrived in Martinborough 7 years ago, when the family farm near Wanaka was sold. They moved up to Whakapuni Station on the White Rock Road where Andy runs sheep and beef on the 4000 acre hill country property.

Bridget, originally from the Wairarapa studied Clothing and Design in Christchurch and now designs and sells women’s clothing under her label Bridget Mathewson Design. They are stocked locally at Peonies Martinborough and Hebe in Masterton, (and also sold online).

With 3 young children, all at Martinborough school, the future of the community is very important to the family. They feel we must keep up with neighbouring towns like Greytown and Carterton that already have new community centres. They also support the Waihinga Centre because it will provide a spacious new home for Plunket and the Library, both of which are increasingly squeezed for space.

Thank you to our generous supporters

Want to know more?
Website: waihingacentre.nz
Facebook: Martinborough Community Centre
e-mail: info@waihingacentre.nz
Newsletter: E-mail us if you would like to receive e-mail updates on the progress of this project.

Thank you to the Martinborough Star and Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park for sponsoring this page.