KIWIFRUIT growers of the Whakatāne district have taken a leaf from their neighbours’ book, establishing a new community fund designed to inject significant support into local initiatives, with a focus on youth development and education.

Inspired by the success of the Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund that has to date distributed just over $200,000 in community grants as well as investing a portion of the donated funds for long term community projects, a group of growers across the Rangitāiki Plains have launched the Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund for the Whakatāne district, creating a sustainable new mechanism for the industry to give back.

The initiative is built on the simple but powerful premise of pooling small voluntary donations.

Growers are invited to contribute a small sum –just $0.01 to $0.02 per tray of picked fruit – to make a large collective impact.

“We are incredibly excited about the potential of this initiative to strengthen our community,” said Mike Howe, engagement manager at the Eastern Bay Community Foundation.

“We feel that the Kiwifruit Growers Fund is uniquely positioned to meet local needs as it is a hybrid fund which contributes significantly every year with a pass-through distribution whilst also growing its endowment to ensure the long-term future of the fund is maintained.”

The newly created fund will be professionally managed by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, ensuring transparency and sound financial stewardship.

A volunteer committee of local growers will be formed to decide where the funds are allocated.

The initial focus will be on boosting youth education and opportunities. This support is expected to provide resources and pathways for the next generation in the region, helping to cultivate both talent and leadership.

The community is encouraged to get behind this grower-led initiative.

For more information on how to make a voluntary donation and become a part of this community-building effort, visit the Eastern Bay Community Foundation online at https://www.ebcf.nz/kiwifruit-growers-fund/.