University of Waikato hosts inaugural Donor Day in Tauranga

The University of Waikato Foundation – Te Pou Taunaki held its inaugural Donor Day at the Tauranga campus in September.

20 Sep 2022

Donors and funders were welcomed onto the Tauranga campus to thank them for their continued support. The day was well-attended with support from University staff and researchers who gave short presentations about ground-breaking research focused on the Bay of Plenty.

The University of Waikato Director of Tauranga Campus Operations Joseph Macfarlane says it is a privilege to host donors and funders on campus and to thank them for their ongoing support.

“Many of our donors and funders have supported the University since we began our Tauranga campus development almost a decade ago. It’s great to set aside a day to formally thank them and provide them with an insight into what their support has achieved in both the research and campus development space.”

The event was also an opportunity for scholarship recipients to thank donors.

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Bill Holland (center left) from TECT and Foundation trustee Sir Paul Adams (far right) with Tauranga Campus Returners Scholarship recipients Daniel Hart (far left) and Danielle Goodall (center right).

Erin Murphy-Pirini was one of many scholarship recipients in attendance and was grateful for the opportunity to thank donors. Her First in Family scholarship is funded by a gift from the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) which was one of the original funders of the Tauranga campus.

Erin, who is in her first year of a Bachelor of Social Sciences, says the scholarship has reduced much of the financial stress that comes with studying.

“I’m very appreciative to receive this scholarship from TECT. Having their support lets me know I’m on the right track and has made my university experience that little bit easier.”

The University of Waikato Foundation - Te Pou Taunaki is an independent charitable trust which receives and distributes donations on behalf of the University.

There are many ways that people can support the University. Every single dollar raised goes towards helping students achieve their potential and maximise the economic and social impacts of the University.