Te Rau o Rongo Charitable Trust, established in June 2023, is a 5-acre Māori food farm in North Taranaki bridging the lands of Ngāti Mutunga and Te Ātiawa. Led by Kai-Whakahaere Pounamu Skelton, the trust reconnects whānau with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) through Māra Kai (food gardens) and Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge), fostering healing, balance, and environmental stewardship.

Here, we celebrate three years of activating education initiatives to support rangatahi (children) and Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).  Through our core values, we reflect on the partnerships and kaupapa (programmes) that have brought us this far, and the impact we look forward to contributing to over the years ahead.  

Skills Builder II: Understand More About Energy and Get Started on Solar Technology, a two-week workshop in Ūawa Tolaga Bay in collaboration with Kia Kotahi Ako, These Hands GSSE, Tolaga Bay Inn Charitable Trust (TBICT) and Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

Resharing Toi Foundation Impact Story on Kia Kotahi Ako

Resharing an Edmund Hillary Story on Kia Kotahi Ako

We were deeply privileged to host Hal Aronson, the co-founder and designer behind the solar suitcase kit at We Share Solar USA, Barry Neal, a dedicated board member championing the programme in Aotearoa, and Keith Scoles, our trusted technical advisor from Orion, in Taranaki, Aotearoa.

We have lots to share and celebrate so read on to find out what we’ve been up to lately.

Matthew Shribman (Manu Tukutuku) and his team at AimHi Earth provide accessible and engaging online climate and sustainability training, curated to educate and upskill individuals and organisations.

As we approach Mātariki (Māori New Year) here Aotearoa (New Zealand), it has given us time to whakanui (celebrate) everything we have achieved over the past few months.

Sharing our celebrations from this year so far.

Our celebrations and learnings from the month of December. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and New Year break!

This article was written by Sarah Grant for the Open Collective Platform for fundraising. It showcases how to collaborate for impact and shares our learnings so far.

Sharing our celebrations and learnings from our November newsletter.