Charity House Funding Dished Out
Friday, 17 Oct 2025
A diverse group of Rotorua organisations have received a welcome boost thanks to the Toi Ohomai Charity House Project.
Over the past 12 years the initiative has delivered a dual impact, providing hands-on training for carpentry ākonga (students) while supporting the local community through charitable funding.
The project has seen houses built by ākonga with support from industry partners, then sold, with proceeds distributed to local groups via the Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust.
This year, more than $34,000 was shared among nine Rotorua-based organisations, each making a meaningful difference in the lives of local whānau.
The funding recipients were announced at a recent event hosted at Toi Ohomai, attended by Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell, Toi Ohomai Executive Director Kieran Hewitson, and Rotary Rotorua Sunrise representative Heinz Fett.
Among the recipients was St Chads Communication Centre Trust, which received $2,865 to support its work empowering people with disabilities. Other beneficiaries included:
- Papatuanuku Charitable Trust – $8,654
- Rotorua Rowing Club – $1,339
- Te Āhuru Mōwai (Rotorua School for Young Parents) – $4,655.33
- Mid-Island Gym Sports (MIGS) – $6,437.67
- Te Atawhai Aroha Compassionate Communities Rotorua Trust – $3,350
- Aratika Cancer Trust – $1,200
- Tipu Waiariki Charity Trust – $2,699
- House of Science NZ, Rotorua Lakes Branch – $3,000
Many of the organisations will be using their funding to help with storage solutions, building renovations and updating websites.
Papatuanuku Charitable Trust will be using their funding for a kitchen restoration.
“Unfortunately, our dishwasher and griddle has broken along with our fridge. We have an amazing commercial kitchen which is used daily to feed our clients and to teach basic important life skills. This funding will enable this to continue,” a spokesperson said at the event.
Toi Ohomai Events and Engagement Manager Megan Wheeler says the project’s success is a testament to the enduring support of the institute’s dedicated kaimahi (staff) and industry partners.
“With projects like this we’re reminded of the power of collaboration. Our partners not only help shape the future workforce, but also contribute to the wellbeing of our community. It’s a win-win.”
The Charity House Project wouldn’t have been possible without the following industry partners and suppliers:
- Mitre 10 Mega Rotorua
- Eves (formerly Professionals McDowell Real Estate)
- Hepburn Electrical Ltd
- Foley’s Rotorua – Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying
- Yellowfin Painting
- Lee Brothers Cabinets & Joinery
- John Chittenden Design
- NZ Scaffolding
- Coldrick Roofing Limited
- Barry Anderson Plastering
- Carpet Court Rotorua
- Hume Pine (NZ) Ltd
- Hydroflow
- Plumbing World
- Redstag Timber
- Roofing Industries (Taupo) Ltd
- Dora Remmerswaal
- Kohla
- Lighting Direct
- Marley NZ
- Resene Paints
- Rheem NZ
- Rylock Bay of Plenty
- Buteline NZ
- Greens Tapware
- Bradford Gold Insulation
- GIB NZ
Photo: From left: Rotary Rotorua Sunrise representative Heinz Fett, St Chads General Manager Kath Curran and Toi Ohomai Regional Director Kieran Hewitson.