Graeme Dingle Foundation Shuts Southern Branch, Impact on Youth Felt

The closure of the Southern branch of the Graeme Dingle Foundation has left a significant void in the local community. Known for its impactful programs like Kiwi Can and Kiwi Kaha, the foundation decided to shut down operations due to financial challenges and a restructuring effort aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability.

Emma Keen, the Southern youth management leader, expressed her deep disappointment on her last day at Mataura School. Keen, who taught emotional intelligence and resilience, stated she felt “devastated” to be leaving what she described as a “rewarding” position. The Kiwi Kaha program, which operated weekly in schools throughout Southland and Queenstown Lakes, was instrumental in imparting essential life skills to students, particularly those struggling with behavioral issues or neurodivergence.

Jo-anne Wilkinson, co-founder of the Graeme Dingle Foundation, explained that the decision to close the Southern branch was not taken lightly. Wilkinson highlighted that the foundation was moving from a “federation model,” where each region operated under independent boards, to a more centralized structure. This change, aimed at simplifying decision-making and fundraising efforts, became necessary in light of the challenging financial landscape over the past few years.

The foundation’s board conducted thorough due diligence before concluding that the Southern branch would not be financially viable under the new structure. Wilkinson noted that she received feedback from Southern board chairwoman Marie McDonald, indicating that the branch would lose local funding following the merger. This statement contrasts with McDonald’s assertion that the branch had secured its funding, as it had successfully done for the past 24 years.

In a statement, McDonald emphasized the branch’s ability to operate within its budget, underscoring a history of financial stability despite ongoing challenges.

Wilkinson reassured supporters that the foundation intends to return to regions such as Southern, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington once it establishes a more sustainable financial structure. “The programs will be back,” she affirmed. “We just need to position ourselves to attract funding.”

Despite these assurances, Anna Gaitt, the general manager of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Southern branch, voiced concerns that the closure might not be a temporary setback. Observing her empty office, she noted that the directive to shut down operations came with instructions to dispose of assets rather than simply pausing activities. “It’s been just absolutely devastating, obviously not just for the team, but for our community as well,” Gaitt added.

As the situation unfolds, the impact on local youth and the community at large remains to be seen. The loss of programs like Kiwi Kaha raises questions about support mechanisms for children who benefit from such initiatives, highlighting the need for continued advocacy in securing resources and funding in the future.