http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.ebcf.nz en-us Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:43:55 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/164530/giving-back-to-the-community-you-grew-up-in-and-love/ The Eastern Bay of Plenty has a way of staying with people. Its uniqueness, its people, and even when life leads elsewhere, that sense of belonging doesn’t disappear.For Ross, and his wife Josephine, Opotiki is an inseparable part of their story.From growing up in Opotiki, Ross grew a feeling of gratitude for the experiences the region has provided him.This inspired a commitment to give back and make a positive change to the town and the creation of the Riverside Endowment Fund.This fund is do... Thu, 14 May 2026 08:32:35 +1200 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post164530 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/164478/celebrating-the-next-generation-of-rural-leaders/ On 8 May, the Eastern Bay farming community gathered to honour the life of Rod McPherson and to celebrate the enduring legacy that continues through the Rod McPherson Memorial Rural Scholarship.Held at the Awakeri Events Centre and hosted by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, the evening brought together more than 50 friends, family members and supporters - as well as two scholarship recipients. While the event marked a significant loss, it was also a powerful reminder of how generosity and c... Tue, 12 May 2026 13:11:40 +1200 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post164478 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/163493/Opotiki-kiwifruit-growers-supporting-opportunities-on-the-water-local-families-shine-at-waka-ama-nationals/ Weekly on the awa, you’ll find them training. Rain or shine, the members of the Kura ki Tai Waka Ama Club are out on the water, honing their skills in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing sports.This past season, the club set its sights on the national stage, with intense training sessions leading up to major events at Blue Lake (Tikitapu) in Rotorua and Lake Karapiro.Waka ama (outrigger canoeing) is more than just a competitive water sport; it is a vital part of New Zealand’s cultural ide... Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:16:01 +1200 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post163493 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/163407/a-new-opportunity-for-tarawera-high-school-students/ We are thrilled to announce the establishment of a new Scholarship Endowment Fund with the Eastern Bay Community Foundation. This legacy has been created by a family with deep roots in Kawerau, having lived in the community during the 1970s and 80s. Though their professional journeys eventually took them to Auckland and Wellington, their connection to the town where their children attended school remains strong.The primary goal of this scholarship is to provide a "hand up" to Tarawera High Schoo... Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:29:53 +1200 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post163407 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/162049/womens-impact-2026-launch/ On March 8th, among the stunning scenery of the Waingarara Event Venue, the Eastern Bay Women’s Impact Fund officially launched its 2026 funding cycle. The event, which coincided with International Women’s Day, served as both a celebration of collective female philanthropy and a powerful look forward at the impact yet to be made in the region.Since its inception five years ago in 2022, this dedicated giving circle has achieved a remarkable milestone, distributing nearly $200,000 to vital loc... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:10:54 +1300 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post162049 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/160616/local-giving-partnership-tees-off-for-junior-golfers/ There is an exciting momentum building across the Eastern Bay of Plenty. It’s a spirit of "local helping local," where businesses and residents are increasingly looking for ways to be part of our local communities and give back. Most recently, this spirit has found its home on the greens of the Whakatāne Golf Club.For many, golf is more than just a sport, it’s a lesson in patience, discipline, and community. The Whakatāne Golf Club has long been a hub for these values, particularly through... Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:53:20 +1300 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post160616 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/160615/small-acts-with-big-impact-local-starfish-fund-supports-Opotikist-john-health-shuttle/ The Ōpōtiki St John Health Shuttle is a lifeline for our community, with dedicated volunteers ensuring residents can reach vital health appointments in Whakatāne and Tauranga. Whether it’s a specialist visit, a skin clinic, or essential cancer treatments, the shuttle removes the stress of transport for those who need it most.While the service runs on a koha (donation) basis, the reality is that some patients struggle to meet this cost. To ensure no one is left behind, the Eastern Bay C... Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:40:47 +1300 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post160615 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/159751/its-easy-to-give-and-get-your-tax-back/ All around the world, tax rebates - or sometimes government funding that matches your donations[1] - are used to encourage people to donate more to charities and causes. It’s a powerful way to inspire generosity and shows that private donations are truly valued in helping to build strong, vibrant communities.... Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:20:17 +1300 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post159751 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/159388/scholarships-making-a-difference-in-the-eastern-bay/ This month Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington announced the first Eastern Bay Education Scholarship recipient, the inaugural recipient of the new Bay Education Fund.It’s a coming together of a generous donor who wishes to make a difference, our Community Foundation and Victoria University working together, connecting with a student from our community doing their best.At the Community Foundation we have learnt that someone believing in you makes such a big difference to the s... Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:10:24 +1300 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post159388 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/post/158221/new-te-puke-community-fund-to-support-local-projects-for-generations/ A new endowment fund has been established that supports the Te Puke community.The Te Puke Community Charitable Trust is pleased to announce that it has re-settled its funds to establish the Te Puke Community Fund in partnership with the Eastern Bay Community Foundation. As a dedicated legacy fund this initiative ensures long-term support for the Te Puke community while protecting the capital gifted by donors.The Trust has held $45,000 in residual funds from the Te Puke Centre project, which will... Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:30:22 +1300 http://www.ebcf.nz/blog/#post158221