Annual hui points to great resilience but growing fatigue
Our community organisations continue to inspire despite facing increasingly complex challenges.
Seventy-four charitable organisations from across Hawke’s Bay gathered for our annual Hawke’s Bay Foundation roundtable hui’s last week, sharing insights and information as well as the “sparkly moments” that motivate them to keep showing up for the region.
With six sessions spread across two days at Te Puni Kōkiri premises in Hastings, organisations from as far north as Wairoa and south to Central Hawke’s Bay came together to contribute to the kōrero. Alesha Hope, our Executive Officer, says she asked each attendee to share both their biggest challenges and greatest inspiration.
“One of our attendees, Stacy Apiata from Ko Wai Tōu Ingoa Hauora, referred to the ‘sparkly moments’ that move him, and we loved that. We asked each of the organisations present to share theirs, because we know that there’s magic happening every day. And we heard amazing stories of resilience and commitment – a great reminder of the incredible work happening across our community.”
The roundtables serve as an alternative accountability measure for those funded by Hawke’s Bay Foundation, replacing more traditional lengthy reporting. The format also allows our team to more deeply understand what is happening at grassroots. “In 2025, we were able to distribute $437,221 to our hard-working community groups through our annual grant round. While we operate a high trust model and don’t ask for specifics of where that money has been spent, the hui allows those charities who benefit from funding the opportunity to share a little more about their services, highlights and challenges.”
Alesha says that across the board, organisations reported increasing demand, with the ongoing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, economic uncertainty and rising living costs still being felt deeply.
Additionally, there has been a huge spike in mental distress and anxiety presentations, growing family violence cases and increased food insecurity. “We heard that more and more of our people are seeking help with housing, employment and financial hardship, as they continue to suffer in this economy. It was also worrying to learn that the jump in fuel prices is leading to many whānau unable to physically access the support they need – they just can’t afford to fill up the car.”
Other issues underscored by the hui included volunteer fatigue and burn-out risk. “Volunteers play a critical role across Hawke’s Bay, from emergency response to literacy support, to environmental restoration, food rescue and social support programmes. Organisations are struggling to retain them, though, with increasing fatigue a major issue, recruitment difficulties and some volunteers needing to leave their posts and pivot to paid employment.”
Despite these challenges, many stories emerged of volunteers finding connection and purpose through volunteering, reducing isolation and loneliness in our community.
Alesha says there were other positive stories, too. “It’s so amazing to hear about the transformation in our young people, with many shining examples of youth getting their driver’s licenses through community initiatives, gaining employment and growing their confidence. One organisation reflected that many young people do not lack talent or potential but simply need someone to believe in them – that has stayed with me.”
The concerns shared for 2026 were primarily around funding and operational expenses. Many described operating with extremely lean structures while managing heavy compliance, huge swings in demand, and strenuous reporting obligations. Leaders spoke about being expected to operate like businesses while lacking the resources to do so.
Hawke’s Bay Foundation funds operating costs as well as project-based expenses, which means charitable organisations can apply to the foundation to cover less visible operational expenditure including wages, fuel, and wellbeing support.
“Flexible operational funding allows organisations to remain responsive to changing community needs, rather than forcing them into rigid programme delivery,” says Alesha. “We want those who are successfully funded to be able to focus on impact and service delivery rather than piles of paperwork.”
Despite the challenges shared across the roundtables, Alesha says the overwhelming feeling leaving the sessions was one of gratitude and admiration. “Across Hawke’s Bay, there are extraordinary people showing up for their communities every day. The resilience, compassion and commitment we heard throughout these conversations was incredibly humbling.”
Applications are now open for Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s 2026 funding round, closing on June 4, 2026.
