The Sumner Ferrymead Foundation will close after 32 years of supporting numerous community organisations and individuals. Foundation Chair Martin Hawes said the decision was driven by the current economic climate and growing competition among charities for donors.

Applications for the 2026 round of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation Community Awards Programme are now being sought. The community awards are for groups, clubs, and organisations within the Foundation’s catchment area. They range in value up to $20,000.

This year the 15 students who received the Puawai Award are a diverse group. They are heading to high school in a myriad of directions – from Rolleston to Burnside and from Cashmere to Avonside Girls/Shirley Boys, along with Boys High, Girls High, Hagley, and St Margaret’s too.