Looking after the things most precious

The Eastern Bay Community Foundation is an independent, local, not-for-profit charitable trust whose main role is to encourage charitable giving in the Opotiki, Whakatane and Kawerau District communities.

We help individuals and families get the most out of their charitable giving. Local people supporting local causes, forever.

We provide specialist fund management and grant-making expertise to a variety of local people who want to contribute to our communities, not just now, but well into the future.

The Eastern Bay Community Foundation was created for the people of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, by the community in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Foundation is a simple and lasting way to support local charities and causes that are important to you.

Our vision is to encourage permanent sustainable endowment funds to support our community.

The benefit of our funds is that they will provide long-term and sustainable change to our communities and help shape how they function and grow.

We encourage simple and informed giving for individuals, families, businesses and generous groups to effectively and sustainably support causes that are important to them.

Giving to charity has a powerful role to play in ensuring the vibrant future of the communities of our region, as great places to live and work.

Tax-effective giving through the Eastern Bay Community Foundation ensures your generosity has maximum impact on our community and supports causes you care about with a minimum administrative cost burden.

Meet the team

Trustees

Our trustees are faithful and dependable local people, rotated and selected to represent the geographical and physical diversity of the region.

Scottie McLeod - Chairperson Scottie was appointed to the Foundation Board in late 2020. He brings to the board experience in governance, having served the community via the Rotary Club of Whakatane for many years, and held positions of regional and national leadership in Federated Farmers. Scottie is married to Jill, and together with the support of their family they have grown and maintained a significant dairy farming operation in the Awakeri District. Scottie & Jill have encouraged and championed many young people into dairy farming as a lifelong career, as well as being very supportive of the rural sector through tough times. In his 'spare' time, Scottie enjoys getting out and about with Jill, cycling and exploring our gorgeous countryside. “I am committed to the ideals of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation investing for the future making the region a better place to live and work. I encourage others to assist us in doing that.”

Jimmy Heal - Deputy Chairperson Jimmy was appointed to the Foundation Board in July 2021. Jimmy was born in Whakatane and raised in Edgecumbe and is passionate about the Eastern Bay. Jimmy trained with Foodstuffs NZ in their trainee operator programme, after starting out as a 'trolley boy' at 15, and working his way through the many levels of the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) trade in various locations, before purchasing his own store in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Jimmy and Tracey owned Opotiki New World for 11 years and during that time were able to contribute significant support to the community of Opotiki through their sponsorship. As Trustee of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, Jimmy has pledged to contribute to our community and is making a difference in the Marketing and Distributions and Grants Committees.

Viv BarrViv was appointed to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation in late 2018. She is currently the Convenor of the Policy Committee, and is the committee member of the Eastern Bay Womens Impact Fund. Viv is a very community focused person, who has a proven track record in supporting those in need across all sectors of the community. She was one of the instigators of the Eastern Bay Women’s Impact Fund started in 2022. Being a trustee for the Eastern Bay Community Foundation provides an opportunity to give back to the community her family have been part of for over a century.

Robyn Woolsey Robyn was appointed to the Foundation Board in 2018, representing the Ohope and Opotiki communities. Robyn brings astute business skills to the Foundation table and a strong network of contacts within the tourism and horticultural sectors across the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Currently Robyn serves on the Distributions and Grants Committee of the Board, and is a committee member of the Eastern Bay Womens Impact Fund and the Opotiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund.

Grant Lowe Grant was appointed as a Trustee to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation early in 2015, representing the interests of the wider Opotiki District. As a local bussinessman in a large family owned engineering, and commercial hireage business in Opotiki, which he and his wife Raewyn began in 1981, Grant often has his finger on the pulse of what is happening in the Opotiki District. He is often the supplier of essential equipment in times of emergency events in the wider district, and very supportive of the many marae in the coastal region. Grant is very approachable and easily accessible, he brings generous support, humour and encouragement, along with a wide network of contacts to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation. Grant currently serves on the Finance, Audit, Risk and Investment Committee of the Board.

Bradley ShawBrad brings a number of skills to the board table, as a local businessman within the funeral industry, his ability to work across many cultures, with respect and courtesy, his knowledge of digital capability and all that entails in a modern business environment and his networks gained since he bought an existing local funeral home in 2015. Brad has worked overseas, having served his 'apprenticeship' within the industry, working with emergency services, police, paramedics and local government. Brad is currently the Chairman for Pou Whakaaro, a local Trust that supports those living in challenging circumstances with wrap around services. He is also a national board member and vice president for the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand. Brad enjoys a round or two of golf (when he can), spending quality time with his daughter and has an interest in thoroughbred horse breeding and racing. Brad brings youth and enthusiasm to the Board, along with a diverse and encompassing community network. Brad is the Chairman of the Marketing and Communications Committee of the Board.

Christine Mansell - TreasurerChristine is a trustee representing the Opotiki area and holds the Treasury role with the Foundation. She was born in Opotiki and has spent most of her life in the district, owning and operating Opotiki Pharmacy for 30 years. Why do I do it? I like to think that it is about community, looking after community where I can, and hopefully make a difference.

Trina Hayes Trina, was welcomed to the Board at the Annual Meeting of the Foundation in August 2023, for a four year term. Trina is a descendant of Whakatohea, Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngati Awa and Nga Puhi. She was born and raised in Opotiki and has for the last thirty years raised her own family in Kawerau. Trina's heart lies with assisting her people, particularly in improving health and educational outcomes. To this end, Trina applies her vast knowledge of financial management , accounting and audit processes to assist those working within Te Ao Maori, focused towards Maori Trusts, Kohanga Reo, Kura, Marae and Charitable Entities.

Paul Nicolson Paul is currently a director of Synergy Accountants in Whakatane, and lives at nearby Ohope Beach. Paul's career began with achieving qualifications in accountancy, before being drawn to work in the NZ Stock Exchange. Paul brings significant experience to the Board in the areas of investment and financial management, along with a sharp sense of humour and quick wit. Paul has been appointed to the Finance, Audit, Risk and Investment Committee of the Board.

Dean ColeDean has been a long-time resident of the Whakatāne area, moving here in 1979. He's had diverse experiences, from working on a kiwifruit orchard to managing a sawmill. Since 1995, he's been involved in real estate. Dean is passionate about his community and has been involved in various clubs and committees. He enjoys sports, particularly squash and golf, and is a keen bridge player. He's also a food enthusiast and enjoys cooking for family and friends. Dean is committed to giving back to the community and believes in helping others. He's excited to be part of the Foundation and contribute to positive change in the local area.

Staff

Gae Finlay Gae has been the record keeper of all Community Foundation activities since the Opotiki Community Foundation began in 2009. She assisted with the transition of all paperwork and professional administration tasks associated with the transition to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation in 2014. Gae is fully employed as the Executive Assistant and Governance Support Officer at the Opotiki District Council. Gae has a deep and sincere commitment to the success of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation and is meticulous in her recording of all actions and activities of the Foundations meetings.

Angela JacksonAngela has lived in the Bay of Plenty for most of her life, originally from Rotorua and moved to Whakatane almost 20 years ago. Angela has a background in health and advocacy, and comes with a wealth of community experience, as a trustee of the Eastern Bay of Plenty PHA (Primary Health Alliance). Angela is married to Martin and they have two amazing daughters, Emma and Greta. Angela’s Mum, Lys Soanes, lives in Ohope Beach. Angela is available Monday to Thursday and is responsible for the overall operations of the Foundation.

Mike HoweMike is active in the community, working alongside individuals, charitable groups and businesses to realise their opportunities with the Eastern Bay Community Foundation. Mike was born and raised in Opotiki, where he was nurtured by his grandparents, well known identities, Gloria and Jack Howe. He went on to have a successful few years as a professional rugby player in the UK, eventually starting his own sports management company, managing rugby players into club rugby. Mike is married to his Scottish bride Karen and together they have two adult sons. Mike is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week or by arrangement.

Annual Report 24

The Eastern Bay Community Foundation grew in 2023/2024, with over 45 funds, awarding our first Scholarships and distributing over $92,000 to charities and individuals in our community.

We are incredibly privileged to be a part of that and conversations about giving.

Our team, the staff, volunteers, and trustees work incredibly hard for our local region and the communities that we live in. We can't thank them enough.

We hope that you enjoy looking at some of the stories in our 2024 Annual Report.

Thank you for everything you do, either working or volunteering with our community foundation or working with us as a partner and supporter.

It makes a huge difference.

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