refresher: what we do and why | FEBRUARY 2025
Our Kerikeri Community Charitable Trust was founded by a passionate group of volunteers determined to unlock the full potential of our town. We believe in the power of grassroots initiatives to drive meaningful change—an approach that has strengthened communities across New Zealand and the world.
Our mission is built on the foundation of the four wellbeings:
Social: Fostering a connected, inclusive, and supportive community.
Cultural: Celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage.
Economic: Encouraging sustainable growth and local opportunities.
Environmental: Protecting and enhancing our natural and built surroundings for future generations.
We are an independent organisation, free from political, religious, or ethnic affiliations, working in collaboration with proactive community groups. Our sole purpose is to benefit the community—without personal or commercial gain.
In 2019, we set out to truly understand what Kerikeri residents valued most. Over 300 community members participated in interactive discussions, sharing what made them happy, sad, and frustrated about our town. Together, we envisioned an ideal future for Kerikeri—one that was vibrant, connected, and forward-thinking.
Building on this foundation, we expanded our consultation to over 1,200 people across a broad cross-section of our community. We took our conversations beyond traditional meetings, engaging directly with residents at:
Local schools, where students shared their hopes for their hometown.
Retirement villages, listening to the perspectives of long-time residents.
Markets and public events, gathering insights in a relaxed, open environment.
Online surveys, making it easy for more people to have their say.
The skatepark and youth spaces, ensuring younger voices were heard.
This extensive engagement process shaped a community-endorsed vision, which was formally adopted by the Far North District Council and the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.
A Vision for a Thriving Kerikeri
Our goals—born directly from community input—focus on revitalising and preserving Kerikeri’s unique character while embracing thoughtful growth. We are proud to play an active role in community planning, events, and initiatives that strengthen our town’s identity.
By bringing people together under a shared vision, we believe we can achieve incredible things. We invite all residents to join us in shaping Kerikeri’s future—a future that is thriving, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
You can learn more about the vision and goals here.