Sudburys Team Working Bee at Te kura o Otangarei

Their generosity has also reached into other fundraising efforts for I Have a Dream. Sudburys became a sponsor for the Activ8 Northland 12 Hour Fitness Fundraiser and took part in the Classic Builders Whangārei Classic 100.

Director, Steve Sudbury said  the Garden Oasis project is a huge  initiative  that  they are very  proud  to  be  associated  with.

“We all have busy days, deadlines, and the end of year pressures, but we walk away from this feeling so fulfilled, knowing that in some small way we’ve been able to help those who may not have the same advantages as others.”

“ I think the work I Have a Dream does, especially in Te Tai Tokerau is so, so important. I love that you guys come in and really help out at the coalface, partnering with schools and walking alongside them, instead of just coming in over.”

The hands-on commitment Sudburys has demonstrated over the past three years goes beyond corporate responsibility. It reflects a genuine dedication to building strong community connections and creating a lasting impact for young people in Te Tai Tokerau.

On an exceptionally hot Friday in early December, 18 members of the Sudburys team rolled up their sleeves at Te Kura o Otangarei. Armed with sanders, paintbrushes, and plenty of energy, they spent the afternoon with a group of students and our Navigators transforming the school grounds, sanding and painting picnic tables, digging and weeding, moving mulch, tidying the vegetable garden, and raking trailer loads of bark to create a welcoming front entrance.

This annual team day has become a tradition. Over the past three years as a Dream Partner, Sudburys has dedicated three working bees to Te Kura o Otangarei, each time contributing to the beautification of the kura and helping develop the Garden Oasis, a living orchard and vegetable garden that benefits both students and the wider community.

Sudburys’ commitment to I Have a Dream extends well beyond their work at Te Kura o Otangarei. This year, they hosted a Build‑a‑Bike event with their clients to support our Te Taiao Mountain Biking Programme. Clients were invited to sponsor a bike and take part in the team‑building day, which resulted in 12 brand‑new, road‑ready bikes and helmets gifted to the programme for our Dreamers to use.

Business Partner, People and Culture, Diana Piggott added the beautiful thing about the partnership is that the relationship that has grown over the last three years and led to some really fun, exciting projects.

“We are super stoked to be in the community, getting our hands dirty and helping out,” said Diana.