Building Stronger Foundations: The Vector Group Charitable Trust’s Power of Collaboration in the Bay of Plenty

In the heart of the Western Bay of Plenty, a quiet but powerful force is at work, weaving a tapestry of community and organisational collaboration. The Vector Group Charitable Trust, based in Te Puke, has long been a beacon of this collaborative spirit, demonstrating how working together can create a more resilient and vibrant future for the region. Their work goes far beyond simple community service; it’s a strategic, relational approach that builds lasting connections and empowers a new generation of leaders.

The “Why” of Belonging: A Foundation of Shared Vision

The Vector Group’s journey began with a fundamental question: “Why do the youth of Te Puke feel a sense of disconnectedness?” Co-founders Stephen and Tracey Fawcett’s research revealed a deep-seated craving for a sense of belonging, a feeling that wasn’t confined by age, ethnicity, or background. This profound understanding became the “why” that informs everything the Trust does. Their vision is to be “invested and to engage the need of belonging with our youth and community, by collaboration and as a creative collective.”

This vision is not just a statement on a website; it’s the engine that drives their collaborative model. By focusing on the shared human need to belong, they have created a platform where diverse groups—from young people to businesses, from seasoned gardeners to tech enthusiasts—can find common ground and work towards a shared goal.

Cultivating Community and Sustainability: The Power of Kai Resilience

One of the most powerful examples of the Vector Group’s collaborative strength is their focus on “Kai Resilience,” or food resilience. This is a multi-faceted initiative that brings together a wide range of partners to address food security and sustainability in the Te Puke region.

• Youth Empowerment through Hands-On Learning: The Trust actively involves young people in projects like the Te Puke food forest. This isn’t just about planting vegetables; it’s about nurturing a generation of “green thumbs” who learn vital skills in horticulture, problem-solving, and even STEM concepts through the use of technology like drones. This hands-on approach builds confidence and a deep connection to the land, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these projects.
• Organizational Partnerships: The Vector Group doesn’t “re-invent the wheel.” Instead, they strategically partner with existing organizations to amplify their impact. This includes providing support to groups like the Tauranga Food Forest Group and the broader network of Tropical Food Growers. This approach of fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration across the region strengthens the entire sustainable agriculture community.
• Working with Local Authorities and Businesses: The Trust has proactively engaged with local authorities, presenting proposals for community food forests to the Te Puke Community Board. They also collaborate with local businesses, such as their recent partnership with Ballance Te Puke, which resulted in a donation to support their work in the area. This kind of cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial for securing resources and building widespread support for community initiatives.

From Creative Projects to a Unified Front

The Vector Group’s commitment to collaboration extends beyond food resilience. They have a history of initiating and supporting a wide array of projects that foster community engagement and a sense of place, including:

• Creative and Youth-Focused Initiatives: The Trust has been instrumental in creating spaces for young people to express themselves creatively, from film and media workshops to dance battles and music events. These projects, like the “Humans in Te Puke” initiative, build relationships and provide a creative outlet for youth.
• Event Management and Community Building: The Vector Group plays a key role in supporting popular local events such as the Kiwifruit Celebration, Matariki events, and the Te Puke Spring Clean. By taking the lead on collaboration, they bring people together and strengthen the social fabric of the community.
• Support for Other Organizations: The Trust provides multiple collaborative platforms for other non-profits, offering advice, project management support, and even acting as a fundholder for collective groups. This helps smaller organisations break down silos, share resources, and work towards shared outcomes that would not be possible on their own.

The Ripple Effect: A Model for the Wider Bay of Plenty

The Vector Group Charitable Trust’s work in Te Puke is a powerful case study in the strength of strategic collaboration. By focusing on the shared human need for belonging, they have built a model that:

• Empowers Youth: It provides opportunities for young people to develop skills, build confidence, and become active participants in their community’s future.
• Fosters Cross-Sectoral Partnerships: It demonstrates how non-profits, businesses, and local government can work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Builds Resilience: It creates self-sustaining initiatives, like the food forests, that directly address community needs and build long-term capacity.

The Trust’s success is a testament to the belief that a creative collective and collaborative community, working together as a unified front, can create healthy spaces where belonging can thrive. Their influence is a positive ripple effect, not only strengthening the community of Te Puke but also providing an inspiring blueprint for how collaboration can transform communities throughout the Western Bay of Plenty and the wider region.