Founding Trustees Stepping Aside

Sunrise Foundation has farewelled two trustees whose commitment and leadership have helped shape the organisation from its earliest days.

Founding trustees Reweti Ropiha and Joe Martin have stepped down from the Board after more than a decade of dedicated service.

As the final founding trustees, both have played an integral role in helping Sunrise grow from a bold idea into the thriving community foundation it is today. Since 2014, Reweti and Joe have been dedicated champions of Sunrise, providing leadership, guidance, and strong community connections. 

Sunrise Foundation Chief Executive Glenda Stokes says their contribution has been immense.

"Joe and Reweti have been incredible champions of Sunrise from day one. They believed in the vision of creating a permanent source of funding for our community and have helped turn that vision into reality. On behalf of the Board, staff, donors, and grant recipients, I want to sincerely thank them for their dedication, wisdom, and generosity over the years."

As Sunrise farewells two longstanding trustees, it is also pleased to welcome two new members to the Board. Hayden Anderson and Dallas Poi bring valuable expertise, fresh perspectives and strong community connections. Their appointments continue the strong governance that has guided Sunrise since its establishment, and we are grateful to all our trustees, past and present, for their commitment to ensuring local generosity creates lasting benefits for Tairāwhiti. 

Read more about our Board of Trustees here.