I Have A Dream Charitable Trust

We're excited to bring you our Annual Report & Audited Accounts for 2020. We're so proud of our "Dream Team" who continued their awesome mahi (work) throughout the pandemic and beyond. We're seeing growing successes in the tamariki (children) and whanau (families) we're serving and this is only going to get stronger as the years progress. Please take the time to read the wonderful stories which really do reflect our collective impact in Whangarei.

If you'd like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report in the mail, do let us know. I personally prefer to read such things non-electronically and a hard copy has the added benefit of being left on your kitchen table or in your office reception area, which helps spread the word of our kaupapa (mission) far and wide. If you prefer to print and read, here is a print version for you.

I am also thrilled to announce that Chris Twiss has accepted the offer of becoming the full-time CEO of the I Have a Dream programme. Many of you know that I have worked with Chris in our separate world of angel investing and venture capital for almost 20 years, and he has been an advocate of our kaupapa for almost as long. He has also been a financial donor since 2018. Chris agreed to join the team in Aug '19 in a contract role to help explore our potential for expansion of the model to other communities, so he's already served a useful "apprenticeship" for working with our SLT to now lead our Dream Team. His strong business and leadership skills, along with his warm personality and community idealism, ensure that we have the perfect leader for the next stage of our growth. As I comment in the 2020 Annual Report, we are blessed to have had Ant's leadership for the first 6 years of our project in Whangarei, and I know that Chris will continue to build on that legacy. Please help me to welcome Chris to his new role with IHAD.

On a final note, I would like to recognise all of you - our donors, advocates and partners - much of this incredible mahi and positive results can be attributed to your generosity and support. Thank you for your continued time, talent, treasures and encouragement of our kaupapa.

Mentors Making a Difference

Our mentors play a unique role in the lives of our rangitahi. They provide support and real-life experiences which is completely tailored to their mentees needs. 

Recently, Awatea, a 13 year old Dreamer from Tikipunga High School, was given the opportunity to explore his passion for architecture, thanks to his Mentor Dave. Dave is determined to help Awatea achieve his dream and coordinated a trip to the University of Auckland and to architecture firm TOA Architects.

At the UoA, Awatea and Dave were shown around by the Architecture School Department Head, Deidre (pictured here with Awatea). They were then invited to sit in a session where 2nd Year students discussed their assignments to a panel of architects. Both Dave and Awatea had a great experience and Awatea is looking at an exciting future at UoA,

"Awatea really enjoyed the experience, it was the most animated I have seen him. He tells me that he is definitely going to UoA and the Halls of Residence."

Dave is a wonderful example of the important role that support people play in the lives of young people.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, contact Kirsty@ihaveadream.org.nz

Dreamers to Golf Caddies

The annual Platinum Homes/DVS Golf Tournament took place this April and was a great success. Once again, our Tikipunga High School Dreamers were invited to step in as the golf pro's caddies. The Dreamers did a great job over the two day tournament and they really enjoyed getting to have a turn on the course and received some professional golf advice at the same time. An enormous thanks to Dean, the Platinum Homes and DVS teams, all the sponsors and of course the Pro's.

This is our third year as the official charity of the tournament which raises over $10,000 per year for the organisation. 

Kia ora Platinum Homes & DVS!