Who are we?

The foundation is run by six volunteer trustees, representing each ward in the Waimate District. The Trustees are appointed as required by the Rotary Club of Waimate.

We are a group of local people passionate about driving the District forward. We live locally, and are available to discuss and offer advice in a completely confidential manner.

Our goal is to create a fund that will benefit the community now and in perpetuity. We aim to grow the fund and distribute via grants and scholarships, according to the wishes of our donors.

We are totally independent of all other agencies including the Waimate District Council.

The Foundation is a non profit, fully registered charity with the Charities Services and the Inland Revenue Department.

Why was the foundation set up?

The foundation was set up in response to requests from people wanting to donate funds for the benefit of the community. There was a need for a trusted foundation that could offer advice, accept and invest funds, and distribute them according to the donors wishes.

Donors may wish to

• Help a community group or project in the town

• Help improve facilities

• Support a particular demographic - young or older people, parents or families in need

• Contribute money to a fund to help a variety of causes

The foundation encourages personal choice as to how the funds will be used. Your voice will be heard and appreciated.

Paul Studholme

Diploma of Agriculture, Lincoln College 1965

National service Burnham1964 and Territorial Army

Farmer Waimate, also at Lake Pukaki, Rangitikei and Ikawai.

Married to Bev,  four children

Ikawai and Waihao Downs school committees

Chairman of Waimate District Saleyards  Company

President Waimate Rotary Club 2014-15

Trustee of WDCF 2012 … current

Interests  Tennis,  Golf

Raewyn Francis - Chairperson

I am a retired teacher, although I do still maintain contact with education and our local schools.

I have lived in this district for 45 years, working in the education field, and with my husband Raymond farming in the Waihao Downs area on a sheep farm until we retired. We have three sons who all completed their primary and secondary education in Waimate before furthering their education at Otago University.

I am passionate about our community and work through many groups to promote and further our image. I am an active Rotarian and help to fundraise to provide many services and amenities for the residents. I also belong to Inner Wheel and Garden Club.

I like to make use of our wonderful walking tracks to maintain some fitness and enjoy our area. I enjoy travel and have been lucky to visit some amazing places in the last nine years.

Liz Wigley

I have lived at Hook, Waimate about 30 years now and I am passionate about the town and surrounding District. I work part time as a practice nurse and the rest of the week on the farm with Hugh at Hook in the Waimate District. 

I am involved with local Cancer Society as a driver and current chairperson of our group. I am also involved with the administration of the Pop Black Scholarship for Student Nurses. 

While my three children were growing up I was involved with all the usual organisations from Plunket, Kindergarten to School and sporting committees. 

I also like to keep active heading out on a regular basis to walk and cycle our wonderful local walking tracks

Tina Stevenson, ACA

Tina is an Associate Chartered Accountant and the Corporate Services Group Manager at Waimate District Council. 

Her Trustee roles include the Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury, Waimate Fire Brigade Educational Trust and several years of past School Board of Trustee experience. 

In her spare time, Tina enjoys all things sport and is a keen supporter of Waimate Rugby.  She is always looking to plan the next rock concert experience. 

Tina is married with two adult children, lives in Waimate and is a passionate advocate for the District.

Greg Paul

I’m born and bred here and proud to continue our family farming tradition of almost 150 years in Waimate. I’m married to Tania and have two kids at high school

When asked to join this group in 2012 I thought it would be a good way to help in the community. Our involvement in helping with the new sports stadium was a highlight so far.

Currently we are helping with the Ted’s Bottle statue which is also going well

I’m also a member of the Dempsey Foundation, enjoy coaching kids sport and love the local fishing, whitebaiting, shooting, trying to surf and camping.