Angela Jackson
–  Eastern Bay Community Foundation manager

There is an exciting momentum building across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

It’s a spirit of “local helping local”, where businesses and residents are increasingly looking for ways to be part of our local communities and give back.

Most recently, this spirit has found its home on the greens of the Whakatāne Golf Club.

For many, golf is more than just a sport, it’s a lesson in patience, discipline, and community.

The Whakatāne Golf Club has long been a hub for these values, particularly through its vibrant after-school Junior Golf programme.

On Wednesday afternoons, the course is dotted with students of all age, from primary schoolers just learning to grip a club to high school seniors practising their skills.

Getting started in golf can often be a challenge for families due to the cost of equipment.

In a generous display of local philanthropy, the Gateway Funeral Services Endowment Fund, managed by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, has donated several sets of junior golf clubs to the club.

These aren’t just for show, they are tools for development.

The junior golfers now have high-quality sets available to use during their formal classes, as well as when they visit the club for a casual round with family on the weekends.

Nick Hargrave, manager of the Whakatāne Golf Club, noted the immediate impact.

“We deeply appreciate the donation that allowed us to purchase these clubs.

“It’s about more than just gear, it’s about giving these kids the opportunity to develop their skills and truly enjoy the game,” he said.

For Gateway Funeral Services, the decision to give back is about aligning their business values with the community of the Eastern Bay.

“This fund allows Gateway Funeral Services to give back to our community in a meaningful way,” said director Bradley Shaw.

“It aligns perfectly with our goals of being an active, supportive part of our local community.”

The success of this donation highlights the important role of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation. By hosting business funds, the foundation provides a structured, sustainable way for local businesses to give regularly and channel their generosity, with the funds growing over time, ensuring that the “business of giving” continues to benefit the Eastern Bay for generations to come.

It’s a simple, yet impactful model, businesses provide the heart and the resources, while the foundation provides the expertise to ensure those funds reach the projects that need them most, like the junior golfers at Whakatāne.

For other local business owners looking to make a lasting mark on the region, the Eastern Bay Community Foundation offers a pathway to support local sports, arts, or charities.

As Mr Shaw puts it, it’s about more than just a transaction; it’s about being an active part of the community’s future.

With the right tools now in hand, the next generation of Eastern Bay golfers is ready to take their best shot.