About the Trust

The Waiheke Spirit Children’s Charitable Trust, managed by Perpetual Guardian Foundation, was established in 2020 to support families in need with tuition for after-school activities such as school trips, tutoring, holiday programmes, sports, gymnastics, music, dance, Sea Scouts and swim lessons to name a few. We have approved hundreds of applications for Waiheke children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old who attend school or are homeschooled on the island. They have learned new skills, made new friends and have increased confidence by being able to participate with our support. We have also expanded our reach to parents and children by hosting community events, parent/child classes, workshops and holiday programs at our wonderful Spirit of Waiheke Cottage in Surfdale.

The trust raises funds for the children by selling the Spirit of Waiheke book, annual fundraising events, donations from private individuals and charitable trusts. 

We hope you will consider a donation that will allow us to make tuition payments so the children can have these life- changing experiences, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams. 

Please find banking details on the last page of the website to donate, buy books or tickets to fundraising events.

Email us here if you have any questions about the trust, the grant application or need boxes of books delivered. 

About the book – The Spirit of Waiheke: Ode to an Island

A group of Waiheke Islanders gathered together and came up with the idea of a coffee table book. This became The Spirit of Waiheke, which celebrates what it is to live on and visit this unique motu. Profits from the book will go to The Waiheke Spirit Children’s Charitable Trust to support families in need with tuition for after-school classes and programmes. We also sponsor community events and workshops for children and parents at the Spirit of Waiheke Cottage.

Individual books can be purchased for $49.95 from Paper Plus Waiheke, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Gabriella Lewenz Art Gallery, Heke Restaurant, Brewery and Distillery Gift Shop and The Spirit of Waiheke Cottage.

Boxes of books can be purchased by contacting us at hello@thewaihekespirit.com

1. Grant applicants must be between the ages of 5 and 18 years old.

2. Applicants must be currently attending a school on Waiheke or being homeschooled on the island. 

3. Grants are only given to families who are in need and require additional support to help pay for after-school classes and programmes.

4. Letter of Support (required) Please have the provider email a letter confirming there is space available in the class and submit a quote for the class. The provider should also include confirmation that they understand the circumstances of the student, that there is a need for funding and the student would otherwise not have the ability to participate without our support. 

5. The grant will be paid directly to the provider if we are able to provide funding. Please have the provider invoice the Spirit of Waiheke and include your child’s name as a reference. Grants are offered for the term, and then students must reapply for further funding if they wish to continue with the class or programme they are enrolled in.