April 2025
While the weather swung from sun-soaked afternoons to wintry blasts and torrential rain, the children at Cholmondeley have embraced every moment, from jetty jumping to indoor crafts and baking as the temperatures dip. It’s been a season of connection and generosity, and we’re thrilled to share some of the support we’ve received.
Karen Harper from Anson’s Free Range Eggs has been keeping our kitchen stocked, Libby Ornsby and Neil Struthers are selling flower bulbs at Lyttelton Market and Meadowbank Homestead hosted tours – with proceeds donated to Cholmondeley.
Early April, Christchurch community turned out in force for our Centenary Street Appeal.
After the HMNZS Canterbury event, the support continued with Navy Lieutenant Commander Tim Johns competing in the challenging Sounds to Sounds event and raising awareness and funds for our tamariki.
This month we hear from Cholmondeley alumni, Mike Klinkenburg who reflects on his time here and the centre's impact.
We look ahead to exciting events including the Matariki Taonga Awards at Naval Point for a special evening celebrating Matariki and the people who help our community thrive.
We also look forward to Phase 1 of the Playground Renewal Project approved by the Board at their April meeting. The children will get new swings, a seesaw, a bike track and an extended scooter track - and we’re working on grant applications for a basketball half court. In Phase 2, we’re applying for funds for a flying fox!
Together, these moments reflect not only the changing of the seasons, but the steady, enduring care that surrounds our children every day.
Centre Update - Embracing the Seasons
As autumn gently settles in, the children at Cholmondeley have been soaking up the last of the sunshine—jetty jumping, exploring nature trails, and enjoying the stunning landscapes of Governors Bay. With cooler days and earlier evenings arriving, our focus has turned indoors, where baking and craft activities have brought warmth and creativity to our days.
This month, Easter brought a burst of joy and excitement. The children loved baking hot cross buns and dashing through the grounds on a festive Easter egg hunt!
Business Support – Anson’s Free Range Eggs
A heartfelt thank you to Karen Harper from Anson's Free Range Eggs for her ongoing support. Karen has generously donated over 50 dozen eggs to Cholmondeley —an incredible gift that has gone into everything from hearty quiches to sweet baked treats enjoyed by our children and staff alike.
Karen cares for 800 happy hens on her Kirwee farm. If you’d like to make an order, reach out to Karen on 021 444 1436.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Centenary Street Appeal
Early April, we wrapped up our Centenary Street Appeal with sunshine and smiles! With a presence at 22 locations across Christchurch, we were so grateful for the support from the Christchurch community.
A massive thank you to PwC, Christchurch South Lions, Waitākiri School and the many volunteers for giving their time - we couldn't have done it without you!
Community Support
We’ve been incredibly lucky to receive wonderful support from Neil Struthers and Libby Ornsby, who have been selling flower bulbs outside Coffee Culture at the Lyttelton Market on Saturday. Their efforts are helping raise funds for Cholmondeley, and just in time these bulbs make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day! Be sure to stop by and check them out.
Late March, Meadowbank Homestead in Leeston opened up their property to the public, offering exclusive access and guided tours through the homestead and aboretum, with all proceeds from ticket sales kindly donated to Cholmondeley. The event sold out within days of tickets going live and it was a beautiful day.
Thank you Meadowbank Homestead for supporting Cholmondeley
In March, Navy Lieutenant Commander Office Tim Johns got on his bike and competed in the Sounds to Sounds to raise awareness and funds for Cholmondeley. He had a personal challenge to complete the route quickly as his wife was due to give birth later in the month.
Tim described the ride as “epic” from day one. He was one of only two riders to reach Molesworth Station by midnight, pushing through rain and wind the next day to arrive in Hanmer. From there, he continued solo, navigating rough trails, big climbs like Mackenzie Pass and Omarama Saddle, and long days through Tekapo, Alexandra, and into Ben Nevis Station. A mechanical on his bike slowed his pace near the end, and by Te Anau, with limited supplies and exhaustion setting in, he made the tough call to finish there. His Sounds to Sounds became Sounds to Lake, a proud effort nonetheless.
Thank you Tim for your dedication
Mike’s Story
Mike Klinkenburg wrote and shared his story of his time at Cholmondeley
My story starts in 1958, born to Dutch parents who came from the Netherlands as assisted immigrants in 1952. This was when New Zealand was looking for European workers to start a new life, fresh from the European war and Indonesian conflict. My parents worked hard to build a new life and had a few Dutch friends that they shared their experiences with, and that provided a link to their past, and kept their culture alive for them. As so many Dutch couples did in the day they saved their money and moved into town where they started a small mobile fruit and vegetable business, working 6 days a week starting early and finishing late.
So when my mother fell ill and needed hospital care it became clear that my father would not be able to look after my brother and I. Fortunately my older brother was cared for by friends but as I was quite young, 3 or 4 years of age (I think), I was sent to Cholmondeley Children's home. It must have been quite a relief for my parents to have a facility that could cope with such a young child.
Being that young, my memories are scarce though a favourite one is that of riding a 3 wheeled trike on the veranda of the original building. My impression as an adult is that I was well cared for and had a largely enjoyable experience. I think my stay was maybe 8 weeks or so, but I must have felt safe and secure as when my mother was able to leave hospital and our family was re united again, we managed to carry on fairly much as before, although my mother was very amused at being called 'Nurse' for some time.
I have always known of my stay at Cholmondeley and I am proud to say that I was a "Cholmondeley Child" and now through that link and the kindness that was shown, I have come back to support the home that supported my family all those years ago. Cholmondeley has always been a critical support cornerstone for immigrants to NZ and locals alike.
Upcoming Events
Join the Lyttelton Harbour Business Association on Friday, 20 June 2025 for a special evening celebrating Matariki and the people who help our community thrive.
The Matariki Taonga Awards will shine a light on the quiet champions of Whakaraupō — those who lead with dedication, humility, and heart. As we welcome the Māori New Year, we’ll come together to acknowledge their powerful contributions and the path they’ve helped shape for us all.
Where: Naval Point, Lyttelton
Doors Open: 5:30 PM | Ceremony Starts: 6:00 PM
Dinner Provided
Tickets: $50 (includes dinner). Only 40 tickets available and all proceeds will be donated to Cholmondeley. Purchase your ticket(s) here
Do you know someone who deserves to be celebrated?
Nominate a local hero whose efforts uplift our people and our place. Let’s honour those who lead not for recognition, but for the love of community.
Nominate them here