Safeguarding the places and stories of Wellington.
Strategic steps to futureproof organisational impact
When Karori’s Futuna Chapel faced the threat of demolition in 2002, volunteers quickly mobilised to preserve the building and defend the important place it occupies in New Zealand’s architectural, religious, artistic and social history. What would become the Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust – made up of passionate locals, architects and heritage lovers – negotiated the purchase of the Futuna Chapel and quickly embarked on restoring the building, installing modern amenities, preserving architect John Scott and artist Jim Allen’s heritage and breathing life back into the building.
Around the same time, the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust was established to support Wellington City Council in its role of maintaining the much-loved Wellington nature reserve. From day one, the trust’s mission has been to protect and enhance the natural values of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, foster an appreciation of native flora, encourage an interest in conservation, promote the unique biodiversity of Ōtari, enhance the visitor experience and engagement and raise the profile of the reserve as an iconic ecological, recreational and conservation site.
Since both trusts’ beginnings, the volunteer friends and trustees have played an important role in maintaining and preserving the sites and developing them so they can be visited and enjoyed for generations to come.
Karori’s Futuna Chapel. Image by Paul McCredie.
Safeguarding the next chapter of iconic Wellington sites
While raising funds to assist with current projects remains an important priority for all for purpose organisations, like the Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust, many are also looking to the future.
“We know that the story of Ōtari will go beyond any of us,” says Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust Chair Carol West, “so the next chapter and what we can do to support it as trustees now is always a priority.”
Additionally, many organisations are looking for practical, strategic ways to complement and diversify their existing fundraising, maximise the impact of donations and offer alternative, future-focused giving options to donors. “We receive such amazing support from our members, volunteers and the public – people who come here with their grandchildren, have fond memories of being here as a child or just love the sanctuary that Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush provides – but we wanted to find a way to futureproof this support so it could contribute to the sustainability and resilience of this special place,” says Trust Treasurer Tim Mason.
A strategic next chapter
The Futuna Chapel Fund and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund were established with Nikau Foundation in 2023 to deliver reliable funding for the next chapter of these iconic Wellington sites.
“Futuna Chapel has been regarded as such an important example of forward-thinking design for over 60 years,” says Friends of Futuna Chair Nick Bevin. “By establishing the Futuna Chapel Fund, we are ensuring that it will continue be an important part of Wellington’s heritage long into the future.” Similarly, the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund will safeguard the trust’s work to date and support its long-term vision.
Through funding provided by the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund, the trust will support the building of public awareness and appreciation of the reserve, assisting in conservation and restoration efforts, enhancing the visitor experience, creating educational opportunities and funding scientific research into native flora.
Entrance to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Image credit: Chris Coad.
“Futuna Chapel has been regarded as such an important example of forward-thinking design for over 60 years,” says Friends of Futuna Chair Nick Bevin. “By establishing the Futuna Chapel Fund, we are ensuring that it will continue be an important part of Wellington’s heritage long into the future.”
Similarly, the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund will safeguard the trust’s work to date and support its long-term vision. Through funding provided by the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund, the trust will support the building of public awareness and appreciation of the reserve, assisting in conservation and restoration efforts, enhancing the visitor experience, creating educational opportunities and funding scientific research into native flora.
Preserving important parts of Wellington’s story
As successive generations of mana whenua and new settlers made connections with New Zealand native flora, gravel crunching underfoot as they marvelled at sunny bursts of blooming kōwhai, and admired John Scott’s remarkable, forward-thinking architecture, both Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and Futuna took their place as important parts of the Wellington story.
Through the establishment of these funds, the trusts have taken steps to safeguard their work to date, futureproof their fundraising efforts and make sure these sites can continue to be enjoyed by our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
To donate to the Futuna Chapel or Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Funds, you can donate online here.
