Rongo Kirkwood
Pouhere Puutea - Grants Manager
Rongo Kirkwood is of Ngaati Mahuta descent, and draws strength from her whaanau, hapuu and iwi.
She works closely with community and iwi groups that are seeking Trust Waikato funding in the areas of Significant Capital Projects, Impact Grants, Maaori, Pacific and environmental initiatives. Rongo also delivers marae-based funding workshops throughout the Waikato region.
Having completed her degree in te reo Maaori and Maaori development, Rongo was drawn to work for Trust Waikato, due to the opportunities it presented for “helping make the Waikato a great place to live, work and play.”
“I’m particularly interested in rangatahi, whaanau and kaumaatua initiatives that support and future-proof the aspirations of iwi within the region,” says Rongo.
Rongo is the Chair of the Maaori Advisory Committee of Philanthropy New Zealand.
You can contact Rongo for funding information and advice at rongo@trustwaikato.co.nz or phone 0800 436 628 / 021 745 016.