Rātā Foundation

09/10/2026

Strong communities are built through connection, understanding and collaboration 🌟

We're excited that Leonie Matoe from Rātā Foundation will be part of Community Networks Aotearoa's upcoming Community Building Block session, brought to you by Inspiring Communities. This online event aims to encourage discussion about how funders and communities can learn from one another and strengthen the relationships that underpin positive change.

Join Leonie and Anna Parker online on 10 November for a conversation exploring funding relationships, shared perspectives, and how we can walk alongside one another to support thriving communities. We'd love for you to join us.

Free Community Building Block - Funding Relationships with Leonie Matoe from Rātā Foundation

08/10/2026

A great evening celebrating dedication and achievement 🎉

Rātā Foundation Board member John Murphy was proud to be part of the Inclusive Sport Trust Finals Night, presenting awards and recognising the hard work of everyone involved. Events like this are a reminder of the positive impact that sport and community participation can have, bringing people together and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

07/10/2026

The Rātā Foundation team recently had the privilege of coming together for a noho marae, spending time learning, reflecting and strengthening connections with one another.

Experiences like these help deepen our understanding of te ao Māori and create space to reflect on how we work alongside the communities we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to Te Taumutu Runanga and whānau from Ngāti Moki for welcoming us so generously and sharing their hospitality, knowledge and manaakitanga. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect and spend time together in such a meaningful setting.

21/09/2026

Building relationships, partnerships and impact across Nelson Tasman 🌟

We recently welcomed community partners, stakeholders, trustees and staff to Saxton Oval for the 2026 Rātā Foundation Nelson Grants Function. The annual event provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year, share impact stories from the region and recognise the relationships that support communities across Nelson/Tasman.

Sonny Alesana from Te Tauihu Kapa Haka (formerly Te Tauihu o te Waka a Maui Māori Cultural Council) opened the evening, followed by an amazing kapa haka performance by Ngā Aho Rau, representing students from Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls.

Guests also heard from Rātā Board Chair Josiah Tualamali'i and community speakers Maluz Moreno of Women's Support Motueka and Tanya Rich, Tenancy Manager at Nelson Tasman Housing Trust who shared insights into the work of their organisations and their impact in the local community.

Are you in any of our photos? Check out our photo gallery here 👉 https://bit.ly/3UTV98T

To all of our community partners – we thank you for your mahi 🌟

19/09/2026

📣 The focus of this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is Te Reo Towns, celebrating communities and places across the motu.

It felt especially fitting then that the Rātā Foundation team has been out and about across Te Tauihu and Waitaha this week, including a visit to the North Canterbury Mini-Bus Trust, which Rātā has partnered with for over 20 years.

The Trust provides specialised transport for older people and disabled people, supporting people to stay connected with their community, and is based in Rangiora. The name Rangiora combines rangi (sky or day) and ora (health, wellness, or peace). Haere tū atu, hoki tū mai – safe travels!

12/09/2026

📣 We're at the Te Tauihu Accessibility Expo today!

If you're in Nelson, come and say hi to the Rātā Foundation team at the Trafalgar Centre between 10am and 3pm. The Expo brings together disabled people, whānau, community organisations and service providers for a day of connection, learning and celebration. We're looking forward to meeting people, and hearing more about the incredible mahi happening across Te Tauihu 🌟

08/09/2026

Some of our team recently visited Waikawa Marae, at the entrance to the beautiful Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound.

It was a real privilege to spend time there and see the marae upgrades first-hand. The space feels warm and welcoming, and it’s easy to see how it will support more local schools, community groups and whānau-led initiatives to come together. Ngā mihi Waikawa Marae for the warm welcome and uplifting kōrero 🌟

08/09/2026

🌟 A place for young people to connect, create and belong 🌟

The new YouthHub CHCH Events Centre is creating more opportunities for rangatahi in Ōtautahi to perform, learn, gather and build confidence. Part of the wider Youth Hub campus, the low-cost venue has already hosted concerts, workshops, hui, poetry slams, conferences and DJ sessions since opening in May.

Rātā Foundation has supported Youth Hub Christchurch since around 2017, backing its vision for a dedicated place for young people and the organisations that support them. Read more here 👉 https://bit.ly/4gYw8kc

24/08/2026

🌟Behind every number is a story – a person, a whānau, a community, and the organisations empowering them to thrive 🌟

In the last year, Rātā Foundation investments returned 8%, enabling us to provide over $24 million in funding across our takiwā to support a range of initiatives, including housing, education, health, the environment, and community well-being.

From helping whānau into affordable homes, to supporting young people, strengthening mental health services, creating opportunities to learn and participate, and backing local conservation mahi – we’re proud to walk alongside the organisations making a real difference every day.

Watch our impact story video to see more detail about what we funded in the year ending March 2026, and the community-led mahi behind the numbers. Or read more about our impact here 👉 https://bit.ly/4isgPT5

E pātuki te manawa o te rātā, he oranga mō te iwi / The heartbeat of the rātā sustains the people.

22/08/2026

🌟Celebrating impact, partnership and connection in Waitaha Canterbury 🌟

We recently brought together community partners, stakeholders, trustees and staff at the Christchurch Town Hall for our annual Canterbury Grants Function.

It was a special evening of connection and kōrero, hearing from Rātā Foundation Board Chair Josiah Tualamali'i and community speakers Grahame Burgess from Delta Community Support Trust, and Karaitiana Tickell from Purapura Whetū.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, to Venues Ōtautahi for hosting us and to the community organisations driving positive change across Waitaha Canterbury every day.

Check out the photos from the event - can you see any familiar faces? 👉
https://bit.ly/4quoh2b