Growing Together: Our Fundraising Journey
This year marked an important step in building our fundraising programme. With a focus on building strong foundations – reviewing and establishing systems, nurturing and strengthening current relationships, forming new relationships, and developing pathways for long-term support. With these building blocks now in place, our fundraising programme is in a position to grow and flourish.
A standout highlight was our participation in the Round the Bays event series across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, raising more than $10,000. For the first time, NZSL interpreters were present at the Auckland event – paving the way for a more inclusive experience and setting the tone for future events. Most participants on Team Deaf Aotearoa were Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, showcasing the power of community-led fundraising in action. Our involvement in the series has established a strong relationship with the Stuff Events team, with a shared commitment to take part again in all three Round the Bays events in early 2026.
Nurturing and strengthening long-term relationships have been a key focus for both the fundraising team and the wider organisation. We were thrilled when Starbucks joined us to support New Zealand Sign Language Week, hosting a nationwide fundraising drive alongside coffee taster events in key locations. This partnership was celebrated across the motu, and the positive feedback has us looking forward to growing this relationship in 2026 and beyond.
We also want to acknowledge Garage Project – a long-standing supporter of New Zealand Sign Language Week. Their continued involvement in 2025 was a highlight for our team. Over the years, the connection between our organisations has deepened, and we’re proud to keep building on this partnership.
Another key highlight was launching our new online community fundraising hub – www.supportdeafaotearoa.org.nz. This digital platform allows people to fundraise, learn about giving options, and connect with stories from our donors and the Deaf community. It’s already helping increase our visibility and providing a central space for supporters to engage and give back.
Fundraisers have been the backbone of the development of our fundraising programme, and we are honoured to have people choose to fundraise for us – especially those who went the extra mile and chose to fundraise for us multiple times throughout the year.
People like Aria, who ran in both the Auckland Marathon and Round the Bays to help raise funds and awareness for Deaf Aotearoa and the Deaf community:
“In November 2024 I ran the Auckland Marathon! While doing the marathon and in the lead up to it, I fundraised for Deaf Aotearoa. I was really excited to run this marathon for Deaf Aotearoa. What they do as an organisation is amazing and I want to make sure the organisation can continue to support our Deaf community to do all of their amazing things! There should be no barriers stopping people from achieving all of their greatness!”
— Aria Carrol
Our grants programme also grew significantly, thanks to the work of our dedicated Grants & Funding Specialist. The income generated through this portfolio enabled us to cover a large portion of our core operating costs. We maintained relationships with funders who have been vital to our organisation’s growth for years, like Pub Charity, the NZ Lottery Grants Board and Sunrise Foundation, while also developing new relationships that will help us reach our strategic goals in the years ahead.
To round off the year, we launched our Gifts in Wills programme in partnership with Footprint. Legacy giving is a crucial part of our future growth, offering more opportunities for donors to make lasting contributions that will continue to break down barriers for the Deaf community for generations to come. Thank you to the generous people who have decided to leave us a gift in their will. These gifts reflect a powerful commitment to the future of the Deaf community in Aotearoa and help ensure that our work can continue for generations to come.
We also want to acknowledge and honour those who have passed away and left a bequest to Deaf Aotearoa. These thoughtful gestures leave a lasting legacy, and we are humbled by the trust placed in us to carry forward their values and hopes.
The fundraising team is immensely proud to stand alongside our supporters, donors, funders, and everyone who has cheered us on this year. Together, we are building a future where every Deaf person’s right to equal access, full opportunity, and to communicate freely is fulfilled.
Ngā mihi nui, your belief in our work means so much. Thank you for standing with us as we work toward an Aotearoa where Deaf people have full access and anyone can sign, anywhere.
Major Supporters
- Victoria Richardson
Regular Givers
- Catharina B
- Guy G
- Andrew L
- Grace S
- John P
- Kasie H
- Emma R
- Adam M
- Yon
Fundraisers
- Aria C
- Joy B
- Michael C
- Lachlan K
- Grace C
- Maryanne A
- Angela S-H
- Sarah P
- Tina K
- Gail
- Sarah K
- Matt P
- Nikki S
- Ella L
- Rodney S
- Mark C
- Garreth K
- Melanie H
- Paul T
- Holly L
- Tim L
- Stephanie R
- Charlotte L
- Lara D
- Zoe F
- Victoria G
- Maddie G
- Liz K
- Andreana S
- Debra J
- Karla S
- Jack P
- Jared D
- Oliva M
- Kellie B
- Elsa V
- Ruby G
- Willow D
- Scott M
- Louisa J
- Kellee C
- Lizzie H
- Lisa M
- Lucy M-B
- Jess B
- Caroline B
Partners, Supporters, Friends & Legacy Givers
- Garage Project
- Starbucks
- The Estate of David Barr Thomson
- Estate Lily Rollings Williamson
- Estate IV Braithwaite
- Adman Motorsport
- Second Impression Boulton Barn
- Cohesive
- Epay / Prezzy Card
- Flock Events
- Pete’s Natural
- Rainbow Confectionary
- pure delish
- SLICNZ
- Whittaker’s
- Kinetics
- Moran Law
