Kia ora!
There is a lot happening across Kids in Need with all of our different programmes, events, and day-to-day operations. So far this year, thanks to your generosity - 1,369 children have received personalised care packs put together by our wonderful team of staff and volunteers, each one helping a child feel supported and valued.
I’ve been privileged to speak at 30 different events and meetings this year and have been blown away by the support shown at every one.
With your help, The Legacy Project is underway and a very special milestone. Knowing that we are creating something lasting that will continue beyond us means so much to Graeme and I.
We are thrilled to welcome three Regional Coordinators in Putāruru, Tokoroa, and Thames-Coromandel. Their support is strengthening relationships with caregivers in these areas and ensuring families feel even more connected.
Another highlight has been our caregiver coffee groups. So far this year, we’ve hosted 26 groups, with an average of six caregivers attending each. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing just how much these gatherings make a difference.
And finally, the Kids in Need Retreat – a dream of mine for many years – is now ready thanks to you. With our first trial coming up soon, it’s incredibly exciting to see this vision becoming reality.
Seeing all of this take shape gives me so much hope for what we can continue to achieve together. Thank you for your amazing support.
With love,
Linda Roil
Founder
Kids in Need Waikato
IMPACT (AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025)
FEEDBACK
Every year we carry out a survey to hear directly from the caregivers we support, to understand how our services are helping families and to learn how we can continue to improve and make an even greater difference. Here is a summary of initial findings:
Based on feedback from caregivers, it is clear that the support Kids in Need provides not only supports children physically, but also positively impacts mental health, reduces caregiver stress and supports family cohesion - outcomes that are only possible because of your generosity.
The words we hear back from caregivers are a powerful reflection of the kindness you’ve made possible. Here are just a few of the special messages we’ve received:
ANNUAL REPORT
We are thrilled to present our annual report for the 2024-2025 financial year. You’ll find stories, impact, and highlights from the year - all made possible because of your support and commitment.
COLOUR CAMBRIDGE IS NEARLY HERE!
The countdown is on! Colour Cambridge is more than just a fun day out - it’s a vital fundraiser for KIN. By purchasing a ticket, you’re not only guaranteed a fantastic community experience, you’re helping us continue our vision to ensure every child feels valued and recognises the potential to create a brighter future.
With just a few weeks to go and limited tickets remaining, now is the time to grab yours!
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors - we couldn’t make this event happen without you!
There are still sponsorship opportunities available. If your business or organisation would like to be part of this amazing community event, we’d love to hear from you. READ THE SPONSOR INFO PACK HERE
WELCOME TO OUR NEW REGIONAL COORDINATORS!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we've been able to respond to the huge growth in the number of families we support. We are delighted to announce we have appointed Regional Coordinators in Tokoroa, Putāruru and Thames-Coromandel. These volunteer roles will help expand and strengthen our support network access making a real difference in the lives of children and their caregivers.
Welcome - we are so excited to have you on board.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust Board recently launched our biggest fundraising campaign to date. The Legacy Project is about securing a permanent home - a place that brings security, belonging, and a future - so Kids in Need Waikato can continue supporting children in care and their caregivers well into the future.
We welcome you to get in touch directly with Trustees Amy Banks and Matthew Ockleston to discuss the Project in more detail. Together, we can leave a legacy of care and support that will benefit children for generations to come.
FROM BRACES TO BRAVERY - A LIFE TRANSFORMED
In October 2021, Nicole, one of the brave young ladies we support began her braces journey thanks to the incredible generosity of donors. At the time, she had been through more than any young person should, and her smile was something she often hid away. We knew braces would be life-changing, but the cost was far beyond her caregiver’s reach. READ NICOLE'S AMAZING STORY HERE.
KIDS IN NEED RETREAT
One of Linda's dreams has been to create a space where caregivers and the children they care for can enjoy time away together. This year, that dream became reality with the establishment of the KIN Retreat.
Set in a peaceful location, at KIN HQ, the Retreat offers caregivers the chance to step back from daily pressures and enjoy quality time in a supportive, welcoming environment. Families can relax, recharge, and reconnect in a space designed just for them.
We are deeply grateful to the generous supporters who made this vision possible - particularly Sky City Hamilton Community Trust and Greenlea Foundation Trust. Thanks to you, the Retreat will make a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and children across our community.
THE CHAPEL
Alongside the other buildings at KIN HQ, we are fortunate to have a Chapel onsite. It provides a welcoming space for Board meetings, KIN gatherings, and wider community events, and is available for local groups to book. Read about the incredible history, relocation and renovation of the Chapel HERE.
DONOR HIGHLIGHT
In January 2024, we received 1,550 eco-friendly toothbrushes for the tamariki we support from Grin Natural and Chemist Warehouse New Zealand Cambridge. This generous donation was a game-changer, freeing up funds to purchase other items for our care packs. Since then, Grin has continued to support us with toothbrushes, kits, and more helping us ensure every family has access to the basics they deserve. We are so grateful for their support and commitment to Kids in Need.
VACANCIES AT KIN
We are looking for 2 organised people to join the KIN team!
Operations Coordinator (30 hours/week)
Admin Support (10-15 hours/week)
If these roles interest you, or someone you know, please visit our website for more information. Applications close Monday 22 September.
THANK YOU!
We are so grateful for the generous grants from the following groups:
We'd like to thank the following groups for their financial contribution to Kids in Need Waikato (June-August):
Bradley Accounting Ltd
Carricks
Jeunesse Ltd
Lions Club of Morrinsville
McCaw Lewis Foundation
Morrinsville Kiwanis
Paterangi School
Project J Auto
Safewise Ltd
The Lions Club of Tamahere
Kids in Need would also like to thank and welcome our newest vehicle sponsor: Freemasons Lodge Waikato - Freemasons NZ
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Thank you for continuing to support us with donations of both preloved and new items. Right now, these are the things we need most. You can drop them off at any of the collection points listed on our website.
