Reflecting on the remarkable charitable efforts from our kainoho | residents

As the academic year draws to a close, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to reflect on the incredible efforts put forth by our kainoho | residents in University Accommodation. Specifically, in recognising their manākitanga across the Tāmaki Makaurau region. Each year kainoho take the lead in giving back to their community by raising money or donating items to a chosen charity. Here are some of their 2023 efforts.  

WeCan Donation

We extend a heartfelt shout-out to our kainoho who donated a staggering 1,812 cans to Auckland City Mission for the WeCan Charity Drive! Students dedicated their Accommodation O’Week to forging new friendships and giving back to their community. University Hall – Towers led the charge with an astounding 645 cans, closely followed by Waipārūrū Hall, who contributed an impressive 610 cans.

Shave for a Cure

University Hall – Towers

In University Hall – Towers, the buzz of clippers echoed through the corridors as residents lined up for ‘Shave for a Cure.’ Each buzz made a statement – the UHT Hounds support patients and their whānau living with a blood cancer or a serious blood condition.

This year, UHT kainoho fundraised over $8,000 for cancer research by shaving or cutting their hair. The event not only raised money but also fostered a sense of unity and compassion among the students. This was UHT’s second year participating in this campaign and one they plan on continuing for years to come.

Supporting Women’s Refuge

Waipārūrū Hall

Waipārūrū Hall’s fundraiser this year was a remarkable display of community support for Women’s Refuge. Kainoho donated essential items such as canned food, bedding, sanitary products, cleaning items and other non-perishable food items. Each item contributed equalled a raffle ticket from which kainoho could win prizes. While prizes were enticing, many residents gave purely out of compassion. At the end of the week, their donations were gratefully received by Fale Pasifika Women’s Refuge, significantly impacting those in need.

Starship Toy Donation

O’Rorke Hall

O’Rorke Hall embarked on a heartwarming journey to positively impact young children by partnering with Starship Children’s Hospital. They initiated a ‘Starship Toy Donation’ campaign to bring joy to the young patients at the Starship Children’s Hospital, receiving over 100 toy donations from O’Rorke kainoho.

Grace Foundation

Grafton Hall

In a heartwarming demonstration of community unity, Grafton Hall & Student Flats hosted the ‘A chance to evoke positive change’ fundraiser for the Grace Foundation—an organisation dedicated to empowering and aiding marginalised members of our community in leading healthy and sustainable lives. This remarkable event took the form of a charity Fashion Show during their end-of-semester dinner, where kainoho generously contributed pre-loved clothing and various valuable items, including vouchers, headphones, a JBL speaker and an iPad.

These items were auctioned off successfully and the initial fundraising target of $1,500 was not only met but exceeded well beyond expectations, with a proud total of $3,000 raised.

Mullet Matters

Carlaw Park Student Village

Four residents of Carlaw Park Student Village underwent the transformation of getting mullet haircuts as part of the The Mullet Matters initiative, aimed at raising funds for mental health awareness. Additionally, they seized the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about the significance of mental wellbeing and shared valuable tips and tools for maintaining it.

Casino Night for Conservation

Carlaw Park Student Village

The Carlaw Cobras kicked off a night of merriment at their end-of-first semester gathering, Carlaw Casino Night! Guests were requested to make a minimum $5 donation in exchange for event tickets, with the proceeds going to support Forest & Bird. Kainoho could make extra contributions to increase their chances of winning UE Boom Speakers or Apple AirPods.

They raised over $2,000 and made a significant contribution to the preservation of our natural treasures. What an incredible night it turned out to be!

Heartwarming Mid-Winter Christmas

Carlaw Park Student Village

In the midst of Semester Two, Carlaw Park enthusiastically embraced the holiday season by hosting a Mid-Winter Christmas celebration. Attendees were encouraged to contribute a donation along with non-perishable food items to support the Tuesday Night Community Kai. This charitable organization provides meals to Auckland’s homeless community every Tuesday in the heart of Auckland City Centre, with some residents volunteering for this noble cause. Remarkably, more than 500 residents answered this call, infusing the event with warmth, generosity and the gratification of making a meaningful impact.

Wonderful “Walk Thru Wonderland”

55 Symonds and Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa

55 Symonds and Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa marked the end of Semester One with their end of semester event, ‘Walk Thru Wonderland.’ Participants generously gave gold coin donations as an entry to this event, but the spirit of giving was so strong that many residents contributed more. The proceeds from this event were donated to the SPCA, making it a memorable and compassionate way to conclude the semester.

Two UHT residents sitting at the front of a room getting their heads shaved. A crowd surrounds them, cheering them on and taking photos.
Side angle of UHT residents having their heads shaved. They sit on chairs over a tarp. There is a large crowd around them.
Three people in O’Rorke Hall are in front of a shopping cart half filled with toys. They are holding some of the toys and games being donated.
A wooden chest overflowing with toys, plushies, miniature cars, playing cards and games. A sign reads thank you.
Aerial view of two residents laying on the ground next to a tower of cans organised in a pyramid shape. They are giving two thumbs up and smiling at the camera.
Group of nine Carlaw Park residents are sitting on the floor smiling with cans in front of them. The cans are shaped to spell “We Can”.
Two UHT residents sitting at the front of a room getting their heads shaved. A crowd surrounds them, cheering them on and taking photos.
O’Rorke Hall residents are on the volleyball court holding their hands up in an “O” formation. Cans on the ground in front of them spell out “We Can”.
Waipārūrū Hall residents are sprawled out on the ground between hundreds of cans that spell out “We Can”.
Grafton Hall fashion show featuring a red-carpet runway with a fairy light border with two people walking down in their ‘fashions’. Spectators sit in rows on either side of the runway watching the event.
A back of the room view of the fashion show. A large crowd of people are sitting in rows waiting for the show to begin. Blue and purple lights bring ambience to the space.
Two residents participate in a fashion show, striking back-to-back poses. They wear sunflower crown and walk the red carpet in a dimly lit room with disco lights.
A group of five residents all dressed up for the fashion show are posing as a group and smiling.
Three residents casually walk down the fairy-light lit catwalk while spectators look on from the right hand side of the photo.

Related articles

Wiki Whai Hauora 2023

Wiki Whai Hauora 2023

Each semester the Student Wellbeing team host Wiki Whai Hauora, a week where we encourage students to pursue health and support their physical and mental wellbeing.

Waipapa Taumata Rau merch

Waipapa Taumata Rau merch

To celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, our campus store proudly launched the new ‘Waipapa Taumata Rau’ collection this year in September. Check it out!

New openings

New openings

This year, we’ve welcomed exciting campus additions, and we trust you’ve enjoyed them too!