Recipients

People

We are looking for young people who are passionate and visionary.

These people will be dedicated to making a difference in their chosen sphere and have the discipline to follow through with their ideas. They will have or want to have a sense of purpose.

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Projects

We are looking for people who are clearly exceptional and will make a significant impact; either to the environment, society or both.

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Environmental projects

Projects that will make a significant difference to our environment

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Social impact projects

Projects that will make a significant difference to our society

Case Studies

Read about the young people the Kāmahi Trust is supporting.

Nate Wilbourne

Nate Wilbourne – Gen-Z Aotearoa Project

Recently The Kāmahi Trust made a grant to a newly-formed organisation – Gen-Z Aotearoa – through an approach to one of its founders, 16-year-old Nate Wilbourne (pictured). Gen-Z Aotearoa is a youth-led organization on a mission to empower and amplify the voices of young people across Aotearoa. Through innovative initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement…

Lucy Summerfield NZ

Lucy Summerfield – pathfinding through music

The Kāmahi Trust helped me to create a Kaiarahi role (guide/pathfinder) for COMMOTION 2023. I am so thankful for their support in bringing more young people into the fold of the passion and musical talent we have here in Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui (the top of the South Island). Kia ora, I’m Lucy…

Isla Swanney NZ

Isla Swanney – a passion for science

Hello, my name is Isla and I am a passionate science student. I have always had a passion for science and the way it helps us to understand the world around us. In 2023 this passion scored me a place in the NZ Chemistry Olympiad team and a ticket to the International Olympiad in Switzerland.…

Pippa Sussex and Ysabella Abel

Haere Mai Bags helps former refugee students adjust to their new schools

Pictured: Pippa Sussex and Ysabella Abel About four years ago, our year 9 social studies class decided to create welcome packs for former refugee students at our school as part of our migration topic. This was a class effort, one-off project, funded by each class member.  We saw the potential in the project and the…

The Kamahi Trust

An update from Kāmahi recipient Jessie Cross

My last week of coaching marks nearly 12 months since my husband and I moved to Nelson, and over 6 months since I started my coaching scholarship with Rebecca. Looking back over this time of massive change, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to dive deep into what makes me tick, and perhaps more…

Sophie Smith Kamahi Trust Nelson

EcoGirlNZ making a difference in the community

I am Sophie Weenink Smith and I am 15 years old. I have a passion for helping people and our environment. I aim to show people that no matter what someone’s age is, we can all make a difference in the world.  I feel so honoured to be the Youth Advocate for The Kāmahi Trust, providing…

Jessie Cross Kamahi Trust Nelson

Jessie Cross, the Trust’s first scholarship recipient

Kia ora, I’m Jessie Cross. I’m 28 years old, and for as long as I can remember I’ve had one goal simmering away at the back of my mind: make the greatest positive impact that I can with the time that I have. Since finishing University in 2015, I’ve been on a winding path that…

Apply for Support

If you would like to apply for support from The Kāmahi Trust, please click here.