Wairoa Netball received a massive funding boost thanks to support from the Milford Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Milford Asset Management.

Wairoa Netball was one of many local organisations impacted by the Cyclone Gabrielle flooding, losing sports equipment.

In an effort to get sport back on the ground for affected communities such as Wairoa, the Milford Foundation held a fundraising event called Burgers, Beers and Brilliant Sportspeople.

The event was attended by some of New Zealand’s most well-respected and skilled athletes, such as Wairoa’s Sam Manson, along with Sir Michael Jones and Sir Kieran Read, many of whom started their careers in community and regional sports.

Over $200,000 was raised, with $19,000 of those funds being allocated to Wairoa Netball to replace the lost equipment and fund a storage facility for the new equipment.

Michelle Tahuri-Olsen, Chairperson for Wairoa Netball, said the last season was a huge hit but would not have been able to go ahead without the support from the Milford Foundation.

“Netball brings us together; whether it's highs or lows, good weather or bad weather, we’re together. We are so grateful to the Milford Foundation for backing us, believing in our dream, and sitting in our corner when we needed them. They didn’t just provide resources, but lifted the spirits of our people.”

The Foundation’s Chief Executive, Bryce Marsden, visited Wairoa Netball recently to check in and see how they were going, and saw Wairoa Netball members in action and having fun playing together.

“The devastation seen across the motu from the cyclone has been heart-breaking, but we have heard and witnessed some incredible stories of resilience and perseverance,” says Marsden.

“Wairoa and its people have been through a lot this year, and supporting Wairoa Netball to get back up and running has been our absolute pleasure.”

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little acknowledged Wairoa Netball and key organiser Michelle Tahuri-Olsen and the Milford Foundation. “The revitalisation of netball in Wairoa has been a tremendous effort, and the fact the organisers overcame the adversity of losing their equipment and still had a cracker season is amazing. Thank you to the Milford Foundation for recognising Wairoa’s need and investing in our community and whānau.”

18 December 2023

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