Te Tiriti training.
Waikato Environment Centre T/A Go Eco are the latest community organisation to receive multi-year funding from Len
Reynolds Trust. Chair Melissa Gibson was excited about further developing the relationship citing their shared
commitment to climate action through strong advocacy, systems change and being tangata tiriti.
As the largest environment hub in the Waikato, Go Eco provides advocacy, education and organising across kai, transport
and biodiversity projects. The security of funding allows them to plan ahead and increase their regional environmental
capability and capacity for smaller groups. These groups focus on localised initiatives from gully restoration to
predator control. With experience in both governance and the work of community environmental groups Manager Jo Wrigley
is clear about what is needed most in the sector, “There are hundreds of small groups working hard to restore the
Waikato environment and often the thing they need most is someone to do the administration, education and training or
help with resourcing employment and we aim to be that useful someone”
Len Reynolds Trust has a sustainable and thriving future at heart focusing on investment in children, young people and
the environment. Their current partners include Seed Waikato, Poutama Rites of Passage Trust and Mārama Hinātore who are
all seeking to leave things better than they were before.
As a funder, Len Reynolds pride themselves on doing things differently, focussing on ongoing relationships rather than
spending time on applications and reports. “If you know the organisation; you know the people and you support the
kaupapa, that should be enough”. It allows community organisations like Go Eco to focus on their valuable role as
advocates for our environment.