Looking back on the first few months of 2026, we are so grateful for the incredible support that surrounds Kids in Need. Because of you, we’ve been able to continue showing up for tamariki and caregivers across our region - providing care packs, creating spaces for connection, and offering moments of relief during what can often be challenging times. Every pack delivered, every conversation held, and every opportunity created is a direct result of your generosity and belief in what we do.
It’s already been a busy and meaningful start to the year. From celebrating 8 years of Kids in Need, to welcoming new families, growing our regional team, and seeing the impact of initiatives like our KIN Retreat and community partnerships - your support is helping us reach more people than ever before.
As we head into winter, the need continues to grow - but so does the difference we can make together. Thank you for walking alongside us and being part of this community. We simply couldn’t do it without you.
With love from the whole Kids in Need team.
IMPACT (AS AT 31 MARCH 2026)
KIN TURNED 8!
On February 5, 2026, Kids in Need proudly celebrated its 8th birthday, marking eight years of operating as a charitable trust dedicated to supporting children and caregivers across the Waikato. Because of the incredible support from our community, what began as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful legacy of care, connection, and community - delivering 9,019 care packs. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of families, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey so far.
NEW MULTI-VAN
In January, we were incredibly grateful to receive a generous grant from the Greenlea Foundation Trust to purchase a new multi-van. This 8-seater vehicle will transform the way we connect with children and caregivers, making it easier for more families to be included in Kids in Need activities, such as KIN Coffee Groups, KIN Days In and our annual Big Day Out at Finlay Park Adventure Camp. It also provides vital support during busy times such as Christmas.
Thank you Greenlea Foundation Trust for your ongoing support and belief in our work.
OPEN DAY 2026
We opened the doors to KIN HQ on Sunday 22 March. It was an amazing day and so special to welcome the community into our space, connect face-to-face, and share more about what we do.
Thank you to everyone who came along - we loved your rock painting, showing you behind the scenes, meeting our team and sharing the future of Kids in Need.
THE LEGACY PROJECT
Our dream to secure a permanent home for Kids in Need continues to build momentum, with $175,835 raised towards our $2 million goal. We are so encouraged by the generosity of those who have already come alongside this vision, helping us lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable support for tamariki and caregivers.
Save the date! Saturday 29 August, 6pm when we will be hosting a special event to support The Legacy Project - more details to come soon.
KIDS IN NEED GENERAL MANAGER
Graeme and Linda Roil have been at the heart of Kids in Need since they founded the charity, dedicating their time, energy, and passion to supporting our community. As Kids in Need continues to grow and meet the increasing needs of children and families, we are thrilled to officially welcome Graeme Roil as our General Manager. Having recently retired from his role as Property Manager at the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, Graeme brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
NEW REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Welcome Phil and Lena Stirrup to our Regional Coordinator team! Based in Rotorua, Lena and Phil have been raising their 13 year old granddaughter Keira since she was a baby. With a passion for their community and connecting with caregivers, we are so pleased to have them on board. They’ll be hosting KIN Coffee Groups, and connecting with organisations in Rotorua to extend help for caregivers and tamariki in the area.
They join our existing team of two Regional Coordinators, Gail in Tokoroa and Vanessa in Putāruru, further strengthening our ability to support caregivers and tamariki across the areas we serve.
Following a six-month trial of the Regional Coordinator role in Thames/Coromandel, we’ve made the decision not to continue with this position, and focus our resources on other areas.
CAREGIVER COFFEE GROUPS
Kids in Need host coffee groups in 6 different locations each month including: Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Putāruru and Te Kuiti. KIN coffee groups are relaxed, informal catch-ups for caregivers to take a break, enjoy a chat, and connect with others in their area.
We know that caregivers really value these groups - here is some feedback we’ve received.
KIN RETREAT
Our KIN Retreat is now welcoming guests every month, with strong demand and a growing waitlist already in place. Designed as a warm and supportive space, the retreat offers caregivers and the children in their care a two-night stay to rest, reconnect, and spend quality time together.
Families can enjoy a mix of on-site activities and local outings, with every detail taken care of. Last month, thanks to Deb at Mr Walter our guests were also able to have haircuts.
For many of the families we support, daily life can be complex and demanding. This short break provides a valuable opportunity to slow down, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories together.
We are grateful to our supporters and Funders, particularly SkyCity Hamilton Community Trust, who support the ongoing running costs of the Retreat.
VOYCE CONFERENCE
In March, three of our Kids in Need team attended the inaugural VOYCE Whakarongo Mai Conference, Kōkiri: The Future Speaks, in Wellington. Bringing together care-experienced young people, caregivers, non-profits and sector leaders from across New Zealand, the conference powerfully centred the voices of young people with lived experience of care.
Grounded in the VOYCE 6 Promises, the conference focused on creating a care system that truly listens and responds to young people. We left feeling inspired and motivated, with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to support tamariki and caregivers in ways that honour lived experience and drive meaningful change.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
We are so grateful to our incredible community, who continue to support us with creativity and enthusiasm - finding practical and meaningful ways to fundraise for Kids in Need. Here are some highlights from the last few months:
JAEDAN WILSON'S 100KM
Jaedan Wilson has been on a journey to run 100km for Kids in Need with a goal of raising $5000 in a month. Jaedan has a massive heart and through his running goals has a real desire to make a difference for others. Taking on 100km is no small feat, but we are so grateful to Jaedan for your efforts and raising awareness, ensuring tamariki in our community feel seen and supported. At the time of releasing this newsletter, Jaedan raised just over $5,200!
CAMBRIDGE REAL ESTATE PJ DRIVE
Now in it’s sixth year, Cambridge Real Estate are once again gathering support from the local Cambridge community to collect winter PJs for the tamariki we support. They will donate one pair of pyjamas for every second pair received between 13 April - 15 May. The drop off point is inside the Cambridge Real Estate office: 47 Alpha Street.
Thank you CRE for your amazing ongoing support of Kids in Need.
With winter just around the corner, our team has been busy putting together winter care packs for the tamariki we support. Our goal is simple: to make sure every child referred to us receives the warm clothing they need this winter.
We’ll be launching our Warmer Winter campaign soon - keep an eye out for more details on how you can get involved and make a difference.
GREENSCAPES PARTNERSHIP
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Greenscapes.
Kids in Need is based on a 0.9ha property with extensive gardens, mature trees, and open green spaces. Greenscapes have generously committed to maintaining these areas on an ongoing basis, helping us keep our environment safe, welcoming, and beautiful for the families we support.
They’ve also created a stunning sensory garden for KIN - providing a special space for tamariki and caregivers to relax, explore, and enjoy when they’re onsite.
VEHICLE SPONSORS
Thank you to our incredible vehicle supporters and sponsors. Keeping 3 vehicles on the road, especially at the moment, has its challenges, we really couldn’t do it without their support.
In 2025 the vehicles helped deliver 2115 care packs and 1862 Christmas packs, it also meant we could coordinate 38 coffee groups and speak to 41 different community groups.
THANK YOU
We'd like to thank the following groups for their financial contribution to Kids in Need Waikato (January-March):
NMS Homes Ltd
Montana Catering
Tamahere Lions Club
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Giving Machine)
Waikato Scaffolding
Thank you to the following businesses who chose to support Kids in Need on an ongoing basis:
Bradley Accounting
Carricks
McCaw Lewis Foundation
Project J Auto
Safewise Ltd
We are so grateful for the incredible grants from the following groups:
HOW CAN YOU HELP THIS MONTH?
Since January, 295 children have received a personalised care pack - each one a reminder that there is a village supporting them. Your donation can provide clothing, toiletries and comfort items for children in care.
Donate now to sponsor a care pack and make an immediate difference.
Thank you for your ongoing support with donations of preloved and brand new items. These are the items we are most in need of at the moment - you can drop off to any of the locations listed on our website.
