Ngāi Tahu Farming and PGG Wrightson were able to see first-hand the fruits of their continued support of IHC on Thursday when members of IHC’s Christchurch/North Canterbury Kapa Haka rōpū performed at Kōkōmuka Lodge on Ngāi Tahu Farming’s Te Whenua Hou farm in North Canterbury.

PGG Wrightson has sponsored IHC’s Calf & Rural Scheme since its inception and Ngāi Tahu Farming is a long-term generous calf donor. The IHC Calf & Rural Scheme has been raising money to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families in rural areas of New Zealand for 43 years.

The calf donations help IHC fund a number of community initiatives that make a big difference in people’s lives. Kapa haka is just one of those initiatives, where people with intellectual disability can connect with their respective iwi and enjoy the excitement of being part of a performing group.

Ngāi Tahu Farming welcomed IHC’s Christchurch/North Canterbury Kapa Haka rōpū onto its farm, along with PGG Wrightson Chief Executive Stephen Guerin. 

PGG Wrightson’s Stephen Guerin said “We have a long affiliation with Ngāi Tahu Farming and the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme is a crucial part of our responsibility the community. This occasion was a wonderful way to weave together those threads and see the important impact of our support.”

Ngāi Tahu Farming Operations Manager – Dairy and Assets Ben Jaunay said being a part of the IHC Calf & Rural scheme is a way for the business to express its manaakitanga values.

“Rearing calves for the scheme is a tangible way for us to give back to the community and directly support the IHC. On a personal level, it is incredibly rewarding mahi to be involved in.”

IHC National Fundraising Manager Greg Millar said “We love having the opportunity to say thank you and to show Ngāi Tahu Farming and PGG Wrightson along with thousands of dairy farmers around the country what a huge difference their support to the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme makes in rural communities.” 

If you'd like to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in rural New Zealand, you can get involved with the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme. Whether you're a farmer looking to pledge a calf or someone who wants to donate a virtual calf, your contribution will help fund community initiatives that create meaningful connections and positive change.

To learn more visit ihc.org.nz or by email [email protected]