Cornerstone Charitable Trust
We provide accessible, community-based health, wellbeing & education services for people facing financial & social barriers in Rotorua.
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty
WHO WE ARE
Cornerstone Charitable Trust is a Rotorua-based not-for-profit focused on reducing barriers to health, wellbeing, and education through practical, community-based support. We work with children, youth, adults, and families who face financial, health, or social barriers to accessing care, skills, and education that support long-term wellbeing.
WHAT WE DO
We deliver accessible programmes and services that support physical, mental, and practical wellbeing, including:
Low-cost and koha-based naturopathy, nutrition, and counselling
Fitness, movement, and rehabilitation-focused classes, particularly for older adults and those needing supportive environments
Nature-based education for children, teaching food growing, life skills, movement, and self-responsibility
Community workshops and small-group education focused on preventative health, natural remedies, and practical life skills
Use of our safe, private facilities to remove intimidation and cost barriers often found in commercial settings
Our services prioritise those who would otherwise go without support, while remaining open and welcoming to the wider community to help sustain ongoing delivery.
WHY IT MATTERS
Many essential wellbeing services are either unaffordable, inaccessible, or overstretched locally. By providing community-based, preventative support in a safe environment, we help people improve their health, confidence, and independence before issues become crises.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS
All funds raised go directly toward:
Subsidising and expanding access to wellbeing services
Programme delivery costs, equipment, and resources
Keeping services affordable and available for those facing the greatest barriers
Your support helps ensure that care, education, and practical wellbeing support remain accessible to those who need it most.
More about us
We believe that all children should have access to a healthy breakfast and arrive at school on time, well-fed, full of energy, and ready to learn. The breakfast club provides a place and space where children can socialize with their friends, help staff to serve and help clean up, parents also have opportunities to provide a ‘koha’ or ‘trade’ kai at the breakfast club. Our kai is shared amongst our community.
We also believe in educating children to grow sustainable vegetable gardens to help feed their whānau. A high percentage of families are struggling to make ends meet during this cost-of-living crisis. Our trustees see our ‘mara kai’ as part of a solution to today's cost of living crisis. Meanwhile educating tamariki about the growing process of veges, what meals can be made with the veges we grow, how to grow veges, the benefits of veges for our bodies, and caring for and maintaining vege gardens. Most importantly learning about ‘Maori sovereignty and maramataka o nga Maori – seasons of the year (growing veges according to the moon and seasons in different areas of New Zealand).
Our services give families a sense of security and peace of mind. We support them in their efforts to provide for their families.
Other page links
Latest update
Back in action 13 February 2026
Cornerstone charitable trust has had a restructuring and revamp.
What’s new
Our mission is the same but we have refreshed our purpose.
Putting a Rongoā back in everytime.
Teaching youth from garden to plate.
Empowering families to take charge of their wellness via education and hands on workshops to teach how to make and use natural medicines.
Last but not least - teaching youth to serve in our communities.
Who's involved?
Fundraise
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.