The June Oakley Memorial Youth Trust to continue making an impact for youth in Kāpiti.

31 Aug

“June had a huge amount of energy and put 100% into everything she did,” says June Oakley Memorial Youth Trust secretary, Diane Ammundsen. “She really cared about people and the Kāpiti community.”

This passion for her local region was reflected in June’s extensive volunteer work, her involvement in numerous organisations, and her time on what-was-then the Kāpiti Borough Council, first as Deputy Mayor and then Mayor (1980 – 1983); the first woman to hold this position. Throughout her life, June Oakley was either involved with or Patron of many organisations, including the Laura Ferguson Trust, Forest and Bird, Kāpiti Senior Citizens Association, the local branch of UNICEF and Kāpiti Retirement Trust’s Marire Home.

June was also a Justice of the Peace and was appointed District Commissioner of the New Zealand Girl Guide Association for the Paraparaumu branch in 1976. In this role, she was instrumental in raising funds for a new Guide centre, which was later re-named ‘The June Oakley Guide Centre’ in her memory.

A fitting legacy

When June Oakley died in 1986, her friends and former colleagues wanted to find a poignant way to honour her and make sure that her generous spirit continued to be felt by the local community. The June Oakley Memorial Trust was then established in 1989 with the goal of supporting local youth to reach their potential, much like June had done while working with the Guides.

Since its establishment, the Trust has helped over 300 young people living on the Kāpiti Coast with grants totaling almost $204,000 to achieve their educational needs, help with their musical careers or sporting ambitions, particularly in representing New Zealand at International events.

The Trust has also received generous support from local organisations, such as the Lions, who have supported major fundraising events including an annual garden party, “Jazz in a country garden” and put Lions members forward to become Trustees when others have retired.

The next chapter of June’s story

In early 2023, almost 35-years into the Trust’s story, the trustees, many of whom had been including The Secretary who was on the Trust board from day one, decided to establish The June Oakley Memorial Youth Fund with Nikau Foundation.

“We wanted to make sure that the Trust’s important work could continue with the same energy and passion June channeled into everything,” says Diane. “Transferring the Trust to Nikau meant leaving the next chapter of June’s story in a safe pair of hands.”

The Fund will continue to provide educational opportunities to young people facing hardship or disadvantage. “Some young people have potential but don’t necessarily have access to the help they need to fulfil this,” says Diane. “Through the establishment of the Fund, we can continue to give these young people opportunities for success.”