Amokura Hawke's Bay Museum

On Friday 1st May 2026, the Hawke's Bay community gathered for a pōhiri to welcome Amokura Hawke’s Bay Museum into the world — a building created to protect the stories that shape us.

It’s not just about a striking new space. It’s about what happens inside: caring for the taonga that hold our memories, our whakapapa, our identity.

Amokura stands alongside the newly renamed Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum, each playing a different role but working together to safeguard 90,000 treasures for generations to come.

Built through the hands, hearts, and support of mana whenua, councils, community groups, families, and funders — this is a home created by many, for everyone in Hawke’s Bay.

Through the partnerships with our Hawke's Bay hospitality venues we were able to tautoko this amazing project with funding. 

Behind the scene museum tours coming soon

 

Community Comes Together at the ParAble Launch

On a crisp Wellington day in late December 2025, sailors, volunteers, families and funding partners gathered out at Seaview Marina to celebrate the launch of two ParAble boats, an innovative new class of accessible sailboat developed by Sailability Wellington.

The event brought together a diverse crowd, all united by a shared passion for inclusion, as the organisation unveiled a project more than a decade in the making. 

The highlight came when one of the first ParAble boats took to the water. For many attendees, especially those who had helped design, build, or would soon sail these boats, it was a powerful, emotional moment that captured the spirit of perseverance and possibility. One of the boats launched "Serenity" was named by Pub Charity staff member Deirdre Bloomberg. 

The impact of the event reaches far beyond the launch itself. Designed to accommodate a wider range of abilities, the ParAble boat opens new opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in both recreational and competitive sailing. With over 200 sailors already involved in Sailability Wellington’s programmes, this innovation means even more individuals and their whānau can experience the confidence, connection, and freedom that sailing provides. 

In the end, the day wasn’t just about a new boat, it was about people coming together to expand what’s possible and strengthen the bonds of an inclusive, supportive community.

Launch of ParAble boats Wellington

On the Ground: Supporting Life Flight Trust

A group of our Pub Charity team recently spent time on the ground with Life Flight Trust, visiting their Wellington base to better understand the impact of the service we tautoko. The visit brought the team face-to-face with the people, aircraft, and operations behind lifesaving emergency responses.

Inside the hangar, staff were guided through both the brand new rescue helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulance, getting a close look at the onboard medical equipment and hearing firsthand how missions unfold. Conversations with crew members, pilots, paramedics, and support staff, gave real insight into the complexity and urgency of each callout. Sitting inside the aircraft and seeing the tight, functional space where critical care happens was a powerful moment for many of the team.

North Island Operations Manager Carl Brasell reflected, “You hear about the work they do, but seeing it up close really brings home how vital every bit of support is.”

The experience deepened the team’s appreciation for Life Flight Trust’s work, reinforcing the importance of continued support for a service that operates at the frontline when it matters most.

Want to know more about Life Flight