September 2025
The days are getting longer, the evenings brighter, and just like the blossoms appearing all around Canterbury, there’s a sense of fresh beginnings at Cholmondeley. Our tamariki are enjoying more time outdoors, surrounded by flowers and sunshine, with plenty of space to play and explore.
As we turn the clocks forward, it’s also a chance to look ahead with optimism for the months to come. This season of growth and colour reminds us how vital your support is in helping create brighter days for children and their whānau. And with Christmas just around the corner, we’re especially reminded of the joy and generosity that this time of year brings.
We’d also like to give a big cheer to our patron, Nuk Korako, who is riding his bike across Australia in support of child cancer. An inspiring reminder of the power of community and kindness.
Kind regards,
Darel Hall
General Manager
Centre Update – Playground Progress Report
We’re delighted to share that Stage 1 of our playground upgrade is now complete! The brand-new swings and seesaws are already bringing joy to our tamariki.
A heartfelt thank you to Creo, Dan Williams Construction Services, Mike Dunn Canterbury Landscape, Kerry Turner, and Odyssey House for their hard work and to everyone who supported this stage of the project.
We’re also thrilled to announce that the bike pump track has now been asphalted, providing a smooth and exciting new space for bikes and scooters. Our Lead Teacher had the honour of being the first to test it out, an exciting milestone for our team and tamariki alike! A huge thank you to Dirt Trailbuilding and Surfacing Solutions for their wonderful work and support in making the pump track a reality. We’re incredibly grateful for their expertise and generosity.
Looking ahead, we’re excited that installation of the flying fox is scheduled to begin in November, marking the start of Stage 2. Fundraising continues for the basketball half court, and we’re already starting to dream big for the final stage 3.
Thank you once again to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, skills, and resources. Together, we’re creating an incredible space for our tamariki to explore, play, and thrive for many years to come.
Acting Practice Manager Evie Gard shared:
“We’ve repositioned the new swing set to face the ocean, creating a calming spot where tamariki can release any excess energy while enjoying the view. It’s now ready to be enjoyed just in time for the school holidays.”
Little Gems: A sparkling success
What a night! Our annual Little Gems Cocktail Party, proudly presented by Fendalton New World, sparkled once again thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. Together, we celebrated 100 years of care at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre with an evening filled with laughter, glamour, and heart-warming support.
From the stunning Little Gems Tree raffle (thanks to Merivale Mall) and the lively silent auction to the incredible energy of our live auctioneers Mark Morrison and Riley Malzard from Harcourts gold, the room was buzzing with kindness and generosity.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, bid and donated on the night. Special thanks to our sponsors, auction donors, and volunteers who make this event possible - we couldn’t do it without you!
With your help we made $121,000, an incredible contribution towards ensuring another 100 years of care.
Your support means that Cholmondeley can continue to provide respite care and outreach for tamariki and whānau across Canterbury.
Here’s to another magical evening of community, connection, and care. See you in 2026!
Alumni Story: Rewi Erickson
In the early 1990s, Rewi, just eight or nine years old, spent a brief period at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. For him, Cholmondeley was more than a temporary place to stay. It became a sanctuary during a challenging time marked by family harm and uncertainty.
Rewi recalls, with deep gratitude, the simple yet profound comfort of feeling safe enough to sleep soundly at night. There, he experienced genuine care, encouragement, and stability. Surrounded by nurturing staff and the tranquil beauty of the grounds, he discovered what it meant to truly rest supported, protected, and valued.
The natural surroundings of Governors Bay added to the sense of peace. Though his stay was short, the lessons he took with him were lasting. The staff showed him that life could be different: filled with kindness, consistency, and the promise of a brighter future.
Today, that young boy has grown into a man who carries the lessons of those days forward. Rewi is now the Christchurch Branch Manager of RB Recruitment, passionately supporting young people into employment and helping them carve their own paths to success. Just last month, he was part of a passionate team proudly supporting Cholmondeley’s Truck-It fundraising event, a way of giving back to the place that once gave him so much.
Looking back, Rewi recognises that the impact of those few days at Cholmondeley went far beyond immediate comfort. They laid the foundation for resilience and hope. His story is a powerful reminder that your starting point does not define your future. A single positive experience in childhood can ignite a lifelong commitment to growth, compassion, and helping others succeed.
Our 2025 Christmas Car Raffle is back!
For just $20 a ticket, you’ll go in the draw to win a 2021 Toyota Corolla GX 2.0L Petrol CVT Hatch, valued at $25,990.
Only 4,000 tickets available – that’s a 1 in 4,000 chance to win!
Your prize includes:
3-year warranty
AA Roadside Assistance
New Warrant of Fitness
12 months’ registration
A full tank of petrol – ready to drive away!
If you would like a ticket, please get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraising@cholmondeley.org.nz
Don’t miss out on the chance to make this Christmas unforgettable.
Centenary Gin
This Christmas, why not give a gift that’s as meaningful as it is memorable? Thanks to our friends at Brandhouse, we’re proud to share Founder's Spirit, a handcrafted gin created locally by KJ & Co Distillery to celebrate Cholmondeley’s centenary.
Infused with kawakawa, known for its traditional healing properties, this gin is more than just a drink it’s a tribute to care, resilience, and the spirit of community. The carefully balanced botanicals deliver a fresh, vibrant flavour that makes it the perfect Christmas present, corporate gift, or addition to your festive celebrations.
By purchasing Founder's Spirit, you’re not only treating someone special to an exceptional bottle of gin, you’re also helping support Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, ensuring we can continue providing care for tamariki and whānau across Canterbury.
Order yours today from KJ & Co Distillery by clicking the button below.
Raise a glass to 100 years of care.
Upcoming Events
Cholmondeley’s Centenary Sailing Regatta - SOLD OUT!
Friday the 17th of October
Naval Point Club
We’re so excited to be hosting our Centenary Sailing Regatta this October! It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day on the water at Naval Point Club, bringing together friends, colleagues, and supporters to celebrate 100 years of Cholmondeley.
A huge thank you to John Jones Steel (Presenting Sponsor), Lyttelton Port Company (Associate Sponsor), and Naval Point Club Lyttelton for making this special event possible. We can’t wait to share this milestone celebration with you.