Are you leading a project, initiative or charity that creates real change for women and girls in our region? We want to hear from you. Apply for a grant to grow your impact. The Aoraki Women’s Fund is awarding up to $10,000 in total through our 2025 Impact Grants. Closing date 11th August 2025. You are welcome to apply below:

Thank You for an Unforgettable Night of Celebration and Connection

What an incredible evening we shared on Saturday 8 March 2025 at Sopheze on the Bay, as we came together to honour the inspiring women of South Canterbury on International Women’s Day.

Guests were welcomed with delicious canapés and a chance to connect with friends, old and new, before the evening’s programme began. Our heartfelt thanks go to the vibrant and engaging MC Felicity Collier, who guided the night with warmth and energy, and to our powerful guest speakers, Kaitlyn Tucker and Margie Foster, who each shared personal stories that moved and motivated us all. One of the highlights of the evening was celebrating our five exceptional Woman of the Year nominees. Their achievements, courage and dedication to our community were shared with admiration, and we congratulate each one of them. We also extend sincere gratitude to everyone who attended, donated a ticket, entered the raffles, and supported the event in so many ways. Thanks to your generosity, every dollar raised goes directly to the Aoraki Foundation Women’s Fund, helping empower more women and girls across our region.

This night was not just about awards… it was about connection, celebration, and community spirit. We left feeling inspired and uplifted, reminded of what we can achieve when we stand together.

If you have any questions or would like to connect with us further, please reach out at womensfund@aorakifoundation.org.nz. Thank you again for supporting us, and making it a night to remember.

Recognizing Extraordinary Women Who Uplift and Support Their Communities. We were excited to honour women who go above and beyond for the community, supporting and uplifting other women. 2025 Winner, Roselyn Fauth. Finalists: Anna Leger, Kaitlyn Tucker, Sharleyne Diamond, and Polly Rowe.

Roselyn Fauth. Roselyn is a passionate advocate for the arts, historical preservation, and community development, with a strong focus on creating family-friendly and culturally rich initiatives. Through Wu Hoo Timaru, she fosters meaningful connections to local history and culture in accessible and enjoyable ways. She has been a driving force on the CPlay committee, leading fundraising, grant applications, community engagement, and social media efforts, and has dedicated over a decade to the Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery, serving four years as president. Roselyn actively uplifts other women by creating inclusive initiatives for mothers and caregivers, championing local female entrepreneurs and artists, and mentoring women into leadership and community roles. “Roselyn’s efforts have directly improved the social, cultural, and recreational fabric of South Canterbury.”

Anna Leger. Anna is deeply engaged with the Pasifika community and serves on the Aoraki Multicultural Board. Known for putting others first, she has offered vital support to Alliance Smithfield workers and those affected by hardship, earning praise for shedding light wherever she can. She uplifts other women by encouraging them to take their place at the table and seek opportunities that build confidence and financial independence. Anna is celebrated as a proud Pasifika woman who challenges stereotypes and leads with compassion and humility. “She embodies what it means to be a Super Woman… always helping in the shadows, never asking for anything in return. She’s humble and wears her heart on her sleeve whilst making you laugh.”

Kaitlyn Tucker. Kaitlyn is a dedicated coach in Muay Thai, helping people, especially women and youth, build confidence and find belonging through sport. Her community work extends to the Buddy Programme, where she supports young people across South Canterbury. Despite the demands of preparing for her world title fight, she makes time to mentor women and girls, encouraging their growth in both the gym and life. Known for her generosity and determination, Kaitlyn inspires others through hard work and selflessness. “She just impacts everyone, whether at Lucky Nine or with her little buddies, she makes everyone feel included and like they matter.”

Sharleyne Diamond. Sharleyne is a tireless advocate for arts, culture, and community connection in South Canterbury. Her work ensures people from all backgrounds have access to creative experiences, support networks, and opportunities to be involved. She leads countless fundraising and event coordination efforts that benefit families and local organisations, earning her recognition as one of the region’s most active community members. Sharleyne champions women in the arts, volunteer, and community sectors, encouraging leadership, inclusion, and self-expression. “Sharleyne embodies the spirit of generosity, leadership, and creativity that defines South Canterbury’s most influential women.”

Polly Rowe. Polly is an energetic and committed supporter of the arts in Timaru, bringing heart and vibrancy to the CBD through her gallery and community art projects. She mentors and encourages fellow artists, organises funding support, and raises money for charities through creative initiatives. Polly creates events that celebrate literature and visual arts while advocating strongly for a sense of community within both the business and arts sectors. A trusted sounding board and generous collaborator, she provides women artists with opportunities, support, and encouragement. “Polly has brought colour, art and a sense of community to the art world in Timaru.”

We are so grateful to everyone who made the Aoraki Women’s Fund 2024 Impact Event such a success. Whether you donated, attended, or supported from afar, you were part of something special — a community-powered night that turned generosity into tangible action for women in South Canterbury.

Thanks to your incredible support, we were able to distribute $7,500 across three local charities making a real difference in the lives of women and girls. After audience voting on the night, the funds were allocated as follows:

• Cancer Society – Wigs for Women: $2,412

• Refugee Settlement Support – Driving Lessons: $2,853

• Family Works – Women’s Self-Care Group: $2,235

These organisations are providing essential support at a time when many in our region are doing it tough. Your contribution gave them a vital boost, and we know the impact will ripple through our community. A very special thank you goes to our event sponsors, Stacey Scott, Michelle Pye, and Debbie Brown, whose financial support made the event possible. Your generosity lit the spark that fuelled the night.

While this one event had an immediate impact, we are also working toward something even bigger. The Aoraki Women’s Fund is building an endowment — a permanent fund that will support women and girls in our community for generations to come. We were thrilled to have many of you sign up as regular givers, joining a growing movement that has already raised over $45,000 through small monthly donations over the past three years.

If you are not yet part of this legacy and feel inspired to help build long-term impact, we warmly invite you to join us. Whether it is a one-off gift or a regular contribution of $10 a month, every dollar helps us elevate women in South Canterbury.

Thank you again for standing with us. Together, we are creating real and lasting change.