Our Environment, Our Responsibility

As part of Sunrise Foundation’s annual funding round, the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre (TEC) received a grant to support its initiative “Enabling Tairāwhiti’s Taiao to Thrive.”  

The grant has helped cover essential operational costs, including wages and electricity, allowing TEC to continue delivering environmental education workshops and hands-on learning at its hub and garden. 

Each year, TEC welcomes around 20 schools and pre-schools for hands-on learning. Students explore kai sovereignty, native biodiversity, water quality, and waste reduction. Community workshops also teach practical skills to reduce waste, grow food, and save money. Supported by more than 15 volunteers, TEC plays a vital role in building environmental awareness and resilience across the region. 

While this grant was distributed from Les McGreevy's named fund, it also highlights the growing importance of Sunrise's Environment Fund.

This fund exists to support local charitable groups and organisations who are working to care for and enhance our natural environment. In recent years, severe weather events have reinforced just how vital a healthy environment is to the future of our region. By building long-term funding through the Environment Fund, we can give local groups the support they need to restore, protect, and nurture our natural environment for generations to come. 

Sunrise CEO Glenda Stokes says, “Looking after our natural environment is an investment in our region’s future. The Environment Fund helps ensure the organisations protecting our land, waterways and native species have ongoing backing.” 

Get in touch if you would like to become a donor to this fund and help safeguard the natural beauty and wellbeing of Tairāwhiti for future generations.