Aoraki Women's Fund Impact Event 2025
These beautiful photos are courtesy of The Eye Photography
Community Spirit Shines at Aoraki Women’s Fund Impact Event
The Aoraki Women’s Fund held its third annual Impact Event on Thursday evening at the Timaru Yacht Club, bringing together a vibrant crowd in celebration of collective giving and community empowerment.
Organised by a dedicated committee—Erin McNaught, Paula McPherson, Roselyn Fauth, and Beth Park—the event marked a shift in approach. Rather than the traditional model of 100 women donating $100 to raise $10,000, this year’s event embraced inclusivity with $35 tickets and an open invitation for individuals and businesses to contribute what they could. The result? A resounding success, with the fund reaching its $10,000 goal, thanks in part to a generous $2,500 contribution from major sponsor Raine & Horne.
The funds were distributed to three impactful charities selected through a prior application process:
Pinc & Steel – $3,750, supporting cancer rehabilitation
Thrive for Life – $3,750, leadership experience for year 13 girls
Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust – $2,500, helping women transition to freedom
Each organisation shared heartfelt stories on the night, highlighting how these grants would make a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls across the region.
A standout moment of the evening was a lively Q&A session led by Jo Goodhew, featuring a panel of inspiring women: Aoraki Woman of the Year Roselyn Fauth, former Aoraki Foundation trustee Jan Hide, and Roncalli Head Girl Maevi Fleming. Their conversation blended wisdom, humour, and heartfelt reflections on motherhood, leadership, and aspirations for the future—leaving the audience both entertained and inspired.
Reflecting on the evening, Chairperson Erin McNaught said, “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support shown by our community. It’s humbling to see so many people come together to make a real and immediate impact for women in our region.”
Beyond the immediate impact of the grants, the Aoraki Women’s Fund is also working toward long-term change. Their endowment fund has quietly grown to $68,000, largely thanks to a committed group of 15 regular donors. The committee has set an ambitious but achievable goal: to grow the fund to $500,000 over the next decade. At that point, it will sustainably distribute $20,000 annually to causes supporting women and girls—without needing to host fundraising events.
The math is simple yet powerful. If 100 people commit to giving just $25 a month, the goal is within reach. With current donors averaging $50 monthly, the fund is already a third of the way there. It’s a testament to the strength of collective giving and the magic of compound interest.
For those inspired to join the movement, contributions start at just $5 a month. More information is available on the Aoraki Women’s Fund website
Aoraki Foundation Chief Executive Richard Spackman acknowledged the team behind the event, saying, “The voluntary committee has done an outstanding job. Their energy, vision, and commitment made this evening a great success and continue to drive meaningful change for women in our community.”
The evening was a celebration of generosity, vision, and community spirit—proof that when women come together, real change happens.
The committee plans to host another Impact Event in 2026 and encourages anyone with a vision for supporting women to start thinking now—what solution could you offer, and how might the fund help bring it to life?