Chair’s Report, Annual General Meeting: 9 September 2025
Tēnā koutou katoa; e mihi ana ki ngā mana whenua o tenei takiwā, Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
I am pleased to present an overview of the year in our organisation together with an acknowledgement of everyone’s mahi.
Since our 2024 AGM we have welcomed a new trustee, Leonie, and sadly farewelled Loluama Avia following her resignation and passing shortly after.
Continued growth in student numbers saw GWC Regalia Hire supporting the largest UC graduation ceremony ever, under the leadership of Sarah the managing director.
In the coming year we look forward to connecting more fully and frequently with the volunteers who contribute so much to the organisation, and to new board-volunteer initiatives thanks to Sarah’s facilitation.
The revision of our Trust Deed was completed including embedding mātāpono that guide our charitable purposes and kotahitanga as a core value. We acknowledge the leadership of Charissa as our Te Tiriti trustee in guiding us with narrative and reflection through this process.
As the board grows in cultural confidence we have begun to develop relationships with mana whenua, and welcomed Charmaine Tukua-Pouwhare to our meeting this year to share kōrero and guidance. Work continues on the development of a mana-enhancing skills matrix/board self-evaluation tool as we seek to learn from other leaders and organisations in this area.
Our Equity Grants were issued for the first time and the projects associated with them, for P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Christchurch and Canterbury Muslim Community Trust with UC Muslim Students’ Association, are underway.
Throughout the year we have made select committee submissions on parliamentary bills relevant to our mission, including the Treaty Principles Bill and the Regulatory Standards Bill, and will continue to be active in these domains.
After five years of service, our trustee Steph White stands down at this AGM. Steph has been a positive, consistent, thoughtful and encouraging presence throughout this time. We will miss you Steph and wish you the best!
The social disruptions and threats to equity last year’s chair’s report anticipated have continued in 2025 and are likely to do so in 2026: threats to treaty partnership, equity in employment and human rights. In light of these things, the AGM is a good time to affirm our mission and reaffirm our commitment to the mahi.
Nō reira, tēnā tātou katoa.