Setting Our Kids Up to Live Their Best Lives

Chair's Report

I look back in pride at what the Trust has achieved since it was established in 2015

As I write this report, my ninth and final report as Chair and Trustee of Kootuitui ki Papakura, I look back with pride in what the organisation has achieved in this period. Kootuitui was established in 2015 as a result of a collaborative vision of the Middlemore Foundation, Manaiakalani Education Trust and the Principals of six schools in Papakura, the latter led by Kataraina Nock, the Principal of Edmund Hillary Primary. I was asked to help establish the organisation as Chair of the new Trust, a role that has been immensely satisfying.

The Kootuitui journey has been greatly supported by huge contributions from volunteers, trustees, employees, contract workers, partners, philanthropic supporters, government agencies, Auckland Council and the Papakura Local Board, and many others. The Trust started with our first employee Angela Gattung, and has expanded to encompass over fifteen employees and contractors, combined with significant volunteer support. Abi Bond, our current CEO, was appointed in 2021. All of our people and supporters have made a huge contribution to the lives of many in our Papakura community, and I acknowledge you all.

I retire from the Trust Board with utmost confidence in the future of Kootuitui. The incoming Chair, Dr Abdul Nishar, brings a significant skill set to the role and will be very ably supported by an experienced Board. I thank the Board for the seamless transfer of the Chair role to Dr Nishar, and acknowledge both the current and former Trustees for their respective contributions to the important role of governance.

In this vein I welcome Carol McKenzie-Rex as a new Trustee to the Board in the last year. Carol brings great knowledge and skills to the Board, alongside Tamara Tairakena, Keith Tetzlaff, Dianne Lazenby, Richard Thornton and Abdul Nishar. I express my appreciation to Raina Nock, the Principal Lead for the cluster schools since 2015. Raina played a key role in the establishment of Kootuitui, and has contributed hugely
to support the growth and role of Kootuitui in Papakura. She continues to be a key in our ongoing relationship with the Manaiakalani Education Trust, an essential partner to our kaupapa.

Our CEO Abi Bond will highlight our work over the last year, but it behoves me to acknowledge the tremendous work that she, our staff and volunteers input to our organisation. The innovation, commitment and sheer hard work is huge. Thank you all.

Our Supporters

I wish to acknowledge our amazing funders, both private and public. We cannot undertake our work without such support. This has been the case for the last nine years. We list all our supporters in this AGM report but several need a special mention. Foundation North has been extraordinary. Auckland and Northland are blessed to have Foundation North as a strategic funder for the two regions. The Foundation has supported Kootuitui for six years and recently approved another three-year funding package. Thank you. Equally I want to acknowledge the Todd Foundation for its support over a number of years, and equally a number of government agencies for a range of services. Finally, I
want to recognise the support of Westpac Bank, through the Middlemore Foundation, for their support in our initial three years. All this support, plus the many other funding organisations, has been vital to our work.

On-going Relationships

I acknowledge our positive ongoing relationship with Ngāti Tamaoho, and recognise the Iwi’s significance as mana whenua of Papakura. Your support since inception is highly valued. I also recognise the work we do alongside and with the Papakura Marae. The Marae undertakes invaluable work in our Papakura community.

And finally, thanks to the Principals of our cluster, and those of a widening number of schools we interact with in the community. Our mahi is to enhance the educational outcomes of tamariki, through supporting good health outcomes and whanau wellbeing. The Principals and educators in schools, the health professionals and a range of services to support whanau are to be commended for their work.

In the last year we acquired the Papakura Christian Budgeting service and, with philanthropic support and a five-year contract with MSD, we now offer significant budgeting support from our premises on Broadway.

Sustainability

The Trust continues to be in a good financial position thanks to the great support we receive from funders and voluntary agencies. Financial sustainability nonetheless is always challenging for the NFP sector, including Kootuitui, and we work hard to justify the commitment and revenue funders provide to us.

I wish all involved with Kootuitui ki Papakura the very best for future years.

Ngā mihi mahana, Leigh Auton.