2025 Board Chair Report

2025 has provided special opportunities for Hawksbury amidst the challenge of uncertain funding for the disability sector.

Key highlights for Hawksbury in 2025 include:

·         A unique celebration for (and designed by) Hawksbury residents with the two Hollywood themed balls in Mosgiel and Christchurch, led by the Resident Advisory Group.

• The purchase of four sections in the Harakeke subdivision in Redwood, Christchurch, to commence the construction of (likely) three new homes.

• Implementation of new information technology systems to make payroll and rostering more efficient.

• Improvements to the Health and Safety Programme to enhance staff and resident participation (to make the organisation a better and safer place to live and work).

• The commencement of Katie, Aiden and Rachell as new home managers in Christchurch. The Board is very proud of the calibre of our home managers and have been delighted to welcome three additional skilled team members.

• The resident survey – which was led by the Resident Advisory Group this year. This group developed the questions and undertook the interviews, which ensured the resident’s voice is clearly heard – and presented the findings to the Executive Leadership Team – who are acting on the recommendations.

• Cultural intelligence training was provided to managers and the Executive Leadership Team.

 We still have much work to do, and in 2026 we aim to:

• Commence the construction of new homes (to replace older homes) in the Harakeke development.

• Replace the Gladstone Road home in Mosgiel.

• Further empower the Resident Advisory Group so that Residents can continue to influence organisational priorities.

• Continue to improve the cultural literacy and competency of Hawksbury staff and board.

• Explore alternative funding streams.

• Provide ‘Safeguarding’ training to all staff. This was a recommendation from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

The Hawksbury board continues to evolve. This year we welcome Alison Godinet, to replace Chris Maxwell as a family/whānau representative to the Trust Board. Alison has a son living at Ranganui drive. The continued service of Richard, Matt, Steve and Felicity is truly appreciated, and their skills and perspectives are valuable as we navigate uncertain times.

2025 has been a difficult year to make decisions due to funding uncertainty. The organisation is again facing (at best) a break-even funding scenario for 2025/2026 with minimal uplift in funding (still to be confirmed as at late 2025). The main challenge with the changes to the Ministry of Social Development funding model, relate to the inability to secure funding for new residents when a vacancy becomes available. In addition, there is a significant increase to the rental cost of Kāinga Ora homes (as they move to market-rates), resulting in a sinking-lid funding scenario. We remain hopeful that we can accept new residents in 2026 which will allow a degree of self-determination to return to the Hawksbury funding outlook.

The flow on effects of this funding constraint is the inability to lift wages in line with inflation, which is not a decision the Board wishes to make. However, the Trustees felt that acknowledgement of staff service was still required in 2025 and have approved a one-off gift to all employees.

We farewelled one resident, Christine Burns, after her passing, from our Centre Street home.

On behalf of the Board, we recognise the dedication, hard work, leadership and mana our Chief Executive, Kim. The Board also recognises the significant skill, commitment and management provided by the Executive Leadership Team members, Sarah, Susan, Emma, Vicki and Lonaye. We know you all work well beyond your position descriptions to ensure Hawksbury runs effectively and our residents have the best life possible. The Trustee’s truly appreciate your significant contribution to Hawksbury, whilst also fully appreciating the mahi of our Managers and staff.

Ngā mihi nui.

Megan Hopper

Board Chair