ImpactLab

In October 2024, Impact Lab conducted an independent Social Impact study on our 5-year programme, which yielded impressive results based on one year of measurement in 2023. The study revealed a strong Social Return on Investment (SROI) calculated at $1: $1.80, meaning that for every dollar invested in our programme, we generated $1.80 of measurable social value. This means your $10,000 of funding has generated $18,000 of measurable social value, demonstrating the real and lasting impact of your support.

You can find the results here.

Along with the SROI, the report also highlighted the following outcomes the programme achieved:

• Improved access to sport and physical activity

• Improved mental and physical health

• Increased academic achievement and school attendance

• Improved pro-social behaviours

• Reduced offending and risky behaviour

• Increased confidence and sense of belonging

• Improved mental health in caregivers

• Increased social connections for caregivers

Stories

We are excited to share three inspiring success stories from our tamariki over the last year!

1. Newfound Confidence

   Firstly, we have Jackson, a 9-year-old boy who joined our Sports Mentoring programme in 2023 and was paired with his mentor, Chong. After completing the programme, Jackson transitioned into our Scholarship Programme and has since been attending weekly boxing classes through a local coach for over a year. Jackson’s father, Andrew, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in his son and shared his thoughts:

   “Since he has been with the organisation, his self-confidence has improved so much. He didn't like talking to other people or making new friends. Now he is not shy to start a conversation with a new person and his behaviour both at home and at school has improved tenfold. This change in him has even extended further into the classroom at school where he is excelling at his school activities, writing and reading. Without this programme Jackson would have still been struggling to make friends, and his self-confidence still would have been very low. He is currently doing boxing through Hoa Motuhake which is great for him as it is teaching him respect, confidence, and self-discipline”. – Andrew McIntosh.

2. Team Player

Our second story features Ella. Initially, she preferred solo activities and focused on horse riding for her time in the programme. However, in term 4 last year, Ella expressed interest in joining a touch rugby team. Despite not knowing anyone in the team, she was eager to build connections and start playing in a group environment. When I asked her what motivated her to start playing, she simply said “It’s better than sitting at home on a Tuesday night”. Ella has come a long way in our programme, and it just shows that some tamariki just need a little more time than others to find their way into community sport.

3. Three Brothers Swimming Progress

Our last story that we are proud to share is of three brothers who have been with our Trust for the last 4 years. These boys are part of an Iraqi refugee family, referred to us in hopes of receiving support for their three tamariki to participate in sports. We could not be supporting a more deserving family as they are all very grateful for our support and are amazing boys. All three brothers have been participating in swimming lessons at their local pool. It has been an incredible journey to support them learning an essential life skill. The progress they have made is exceptional, and it’s clear that they are developing both their physical abilities and confidence in the water. We are thrilled to witness the positive impact these lessons are having on their lives.

Awareness and Recognition

We have been proactive in taking steps to increase the awareness of our Trust and the mahi we are doing in our community.

Award Finalist - 2025 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards

We are thrilled to announce that we are finalists for the Community Impact section in the 2025 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards. The awards were created to recognise organisations who make outstanding contributions to enrich people’s lives through play, active recreation and sport. The nomination is a true honour to receive, and we look forward to sharing more after the awards evening next month.

Ambassadors

We are very fortunate to have teamed up with former SilverFern and award-winning sport presenter Courtney Tairi. With her background in sport, storytelling, and community leadership, Courtney is a fantastic fit to champion our mission of ensuring all tamariki can experience the joy and connection of being active.

National Recognition – Sport New Zealand Case Study

Sport New Zealand are in the final stages of completing a report on tamariki in care having better access to sport, this will be read by sport Minister Mark Mitchell. In this report Hoa Motuhake is being used as a case study to show how our long-term approach should be the way to helping those most at-risk. The case study is attached.

Vast Billboards

We have collaborated with Vast Billboards who have kindly offered us space on their billboards across Christchurch. The billboards feature our ongoing ‘Sponsor a Child’ campaign that allows the community to make a direct, tangible impact on one of our tamariki. Further helping us to spread our awareness around the city.