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Kindness and Connection Shine at Women’s Support Motueka’s First-Ever Gala

Women’s Support Motueka (WSM) is filled with gratitude and hope following the outstanding success of our inaugural Gala, Art Auction & Dinner. Together, with the aroha and generosity of our community, we raised $8,900 to sustain vital services and strengthen our mission to build safer, thriving homes free from violence.

Yet the true value of our first Gala cannot be measured in dollars alone. That night, we wove together a community of aroha, courage, and collective purpose; a movement that uplifts wāhine, strengthens whānau, and builds a safer, more compassionate Motueka.

A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.

This success would not have been possible without the generosity of the Rātā Foundation, whose trust in us helped plant the seed for this fundraising journey.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this event to life, from those who shared their time, skills, and resources to the many businesses who stood beside our kaupapa.

To the incredible artists who donated a stunning collective of 46 artworks and experiences, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your creativity and aroha breathe life into our kaupapa, helping sustain our services and nurture hope, safety, and resilience in our community. Your gifts remind us that, when nurtured with care and compassion, creativity and connection can help our communities flourish, poipoia te kākano kia puāwai, nurture the seed and it will blossom.

A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.

We were privileged to receive extraordinary contributions from New World Motueka, Birdhurst, Alsco Uniforms, Liquorland, Kono, Hop Federation, Anchorage, Chia Sisters, Harcourts Motueka & Mapua, Pete’s Natural, Vista Wines, Anatoki Salmon, Seifried, Plant & Share, Little Shaggery Farm, and Floral Studio. Your generosity, from beautiful platters and beverages to gifts, wine, and styling support, helped create an unforgettable night and amplified our fundraising impact.

A special thank you also goes to Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Paper Nautilus Café, Auto Super Shoppes, Motueka Community House, Tasman Canvas, Birdhurst, and Tui House Counselling and Therapy Centre for helping us share our story by supporting our editorial through The Guardian Motueka. Your mahi in spreading the word was invaluable and helped fill the room with aroha and purpose.

A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our wonderful Gala team, coordinated by Maluz Moreno alongside Abby McCall, Michelle Hunt, and Chaning Valdes, whose creativity and hard work shaped this special evening. Warm appreciation to Mark Rumsey, our skilled auctioneer, and Shontell Knox, our engaging MC, who brought energy and connection to the night.

We also extend our thanks to Carol Shirley and her team at Beachside Conference and Events for curating an exquisite menu and delivering exceptional catering, and to the talented band Cover Me for providing an amazing live performance that uplifted the celebration.

A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.
A large group of people dressed in fun, colourful outfits posing together after a Zumba fundraiser event — celebrating movement, community, and support for Women’s Support Motueka.

To our Board, Michaela Lobban, Chantell Bramley, Daniel Bulman, Claudine Dupuy, Linda Beatson and Ana Kelly, and our dedicated staff, Emillie MacRitchie, Camille Paris, Mikayla Cahill, Leah Kainuku, Briah Laird, and Maluz Moreno, thank you for leading our mission with courage and compassion.

From this event, inspiring new partnerships have emerged, helping us move closer to long-term sustainability and ensuring we can continue to walk alongside wāhine and whānau while strengthening prevention efforts.

WSM remains steadfast in our commitment to provide safe, confidential, and transformative support while working to end violence and create a brighter future for all, especially our tamariki. This gala was not just a fundraiser, it was a celebration of community power and shared hope.

Together, we are weaving resilience, healing, and safety for generations to come.