Tautoko Community Trust is guided by a set of values that include Christian ethos, community, collaboration, equity, compassion, and respect. We aim to act with integrity and generosity. We strive to seek justice, respond with mercy, and honour God in everything we do. In terms of collaboration, the Trust values the role of funders in its work and partners with other groups to maximise effectiveness, sharing resources and knowledge to benefit the community.
WHANAUNGATANGA – COMMUNITY
Building community is an intentional, continuous act. We work towards a safe community that cares for its people, supports each other, stands together, and provides a sense of belonging.
MAHI NGATAHI – COLLABORATION
As we collaborate and build community, we deepen our knowledge, expand our reach, grow our hearts, and effect change.
WHAKARANGATIRA – RESPECT
We each have an innate human dignity and every person is deserving of respect. We are all valuable with our unique voices, stories, and experiences.
Our differences add to the texture of our community.
TE TIKA ME TE AROHA – EQUITY & COMPASSION
We strive to address inequalities, remove barriers, and reduce suffering within our local community, recognizing that social transformation begins in our own backyard.
ETHOS KARAITIANA – CHRISTIAN ETHOS
Rooted in our Christian faith, we are led and inspired by the example of Jesus. Our faith informs our direction, applying Gospel values of compassion, peace, and service.
The founding trustees of Tautoko Community Trust were members of Oasis Family Church looking for practical ways to serve others beyond a Sunday service. Tautoko Community Trust continues to share strong relational ties with Oasis Family Church while operating independently from the church.
Seven years ago, I moved from my home up north in Mangawhai to Blenheim. I work as a landscape gardener for a living, and I’ll spend most of my free time outside if I can—fishing, beekeeping, or just working in the backyard.
My family and my faith are the two things that matter most to me. I feel strongly that everyone should have an opportunity to get into a better place than they’re in—whether that’s physical, mental, or spiritual. I believe that the Trust is a way of sharing God’s love with people as we help others who we might not normally come across in our usual day to day routine.
I am a fourth generation Marlburian on my mother’s side. My maternal great-grandfather, Alfred Dobson, was Marlborough’s chief surveyor and provincial engineer in the 1870s, and my father emigrated from Northern Ireland. I grew up in Blenheim, completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, and my wife, Lynne, and I have two adult sons and four grandchildren.
I worked at Plant & Food Research for 38 years before retiring in 2024, and received the Marlborough Research Centre John Marris Award in 2022. Over the years I have served in a number of community roles, including with the Marlborough Lines Science and Technology Fair, Richmond View School, the Blenheim Christian Book and Music Centre, and the NMIT Viticulture & Wine Industry Advisory Committee.
I have attended Oasis Family Church since 2008, serving in a variety of voluntary roles, and joined the Tautoko Community Trust Board in 2024.
Hi, I’m Wendy. I’ve lived in Blenheim for almost seven years and have been involved with the Breakfast Club on and off for the past five years. I love getting to know the children and helping provide them with a good breakfast, setting them up for a great day of learning and friendship at school.
Originally from Taranaki, I served in the RNZAF, where I met my husband, and together we’ve lived in many parts of New Zealand while raising our three children. After retiring and settling in Blenheim, we joined Oasis Family Church, where I discovered Tautoko Trust. Serving on the Board allows me to give back to our community, support local children, and share the love of Jesus in practical ways.
Carmen Da Costa an experienced Community Development Coordinator, managing projects in 6 municipalities in South Africa and now taking the role of Manager at the trust in Marlborough. She is passionate about community growth and positive change. She is an excellent communicator with the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders and drive new initiatives. She thrives well working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Experienced in advocating for new projects and loves a challenge.
Carmen has been married to her husband, Lucien for 11 years and is the mother of 2 beautiful daughters. She is a devoted Christian and enjoys spending time in the Word. In her spare time, when not spending time with her family, she can often be found watching a movie, she loves inspiring faith-based movies, or having a well deserved nap!
Tautoko seeks to contribute positively and focus on the strengths of the community for long-term betterment (Asset Based Community Development). We undertake initiatives with long-term commitment and follow-through. We promote holistic personal growth and value everyone’s gifts, abilities, and talents.
We are committed to social justice and aim to confront injustice in a caring, compassionate way. We advocate for the vulnerable and we support initiatives that bring equity and opportunity in accordance with the Trust’s values.
Tautoko Community Trust is fortunate to receive grants from a variety of organizations, including the Rata Foundation, Pub Charity, Blue Door—Blenheim, Oasis Family Church, Marlborough District Council, and COG's.
Contact:
Location:
Services:
Tautoko Community Trust is a registered charity in New Zealand. Our NZ Companies Office number is 2552042 and our Charities Register number is CC47368.
To our latest news & updates here:
