Flaxmere to benefit from newly launched Wharariki Trust

Wharariki Trust CEO Ana Apatu with trustee chairman Graeme Norton and trustees Taine Randell (left), Rex Graham, Lawrence Yule and Lisa Pohatu. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

The Wharariki Trust was born last night with some exciting plans and opportunities up its sleeve for the Flaxmere community.

The Trust, which was formerly known as the U-Turn Trust, was re-branded after founder Henare O'Keefe announced his resignation earlier this month.

Chairman Graeme Norton said the message was the same, the trustees remained the same and they were going about doing the same work.

"The only change is the name, which we did in honour of Henare as he wanted the U-Turn name to come back to his family so it could be put to sleep."

Chief executive Ana Apatu found the name Wharariki, which was a native flax known for being strong and resilient.

"It grows well in a tough environment, is robust and weaves well so it fits with what we want to do for Flaxmere."

Joining Ms Apatu and Mr Norton are former U-Turn Trust trustees Lawrence Yule, Taine Randell and Rex Graham, as well as a new recruit Lisa Pohatu, who was the first Flaxmere College graduate to complete a masters.

Last night a partnership between the Trust and the Paora Winitana & Paul Henare Basketball Academy was announced to create positive pathways for Flaxmere youth and young adults.

The partnership is already off to a good start with Craig McKibbin raising $11,500 in his swim around Lake Waikaremoana earlier this year.

Mr McKibbin completed his swim in February as a way to mark 20 years since his brother Glenn, a community constable, was shot dead at work.

Via the Wharariki Trust, the funds raised will be used to provide academy scholarships for Flaxmere youth.

Mr McKibbin said he was happy to see the money go towards youth from Flaxmere.

"The academy is a great opportunity for Flaxmere youngsters to further themselves in the community and as individuals."

Academy head coach Paora Winitana said the support by Wharariki Trust and Mr McKibbin was a huge boost for the academy.

The academy was set up by Mr Winitana and current Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare in 2011 and many alumni have gone on to tertiary education as well as scholarships to colleges in the United States.

"We are trying to do amazing things for Hawke's Bay and people can use basketball as a tool for life."

Mr Norton said as the scholarship grew they would look to further this into other areas as well as the academy in the future.

The Trust is focused on helping Flaxmere residents succeed, through partnerships, building skills and independence, and organising practical solutions to better peoples circumstances.

"We partner with other agencies on major projects to improve community facilities, access to services, and community events which creates a sense of pride and makes Flaxmere a great place to live," Ms Apatu said.