SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS & DONORS

The Centre for Fine Woodworking was set up in 2005, gained charitable status in 2008, and is the only independent school of fine woodworking and furniture making in New Zealand. The school receives no government funding and income is generated from student fees, donations from private individuals and successful grant applications.

We have three major funders:

• The Rata Foundation (formerly the Canterbury Community Trust) whose very generous and ongoing support over the past decade has been crucial in allowing us time to establish the school and build up our reputation.

• The Dick Roberts Community Trust whose generous funding has supported us over the years – again in having the faith to fund us whilst the school grew and established itself.

• Creative New Zealand who in the past have generously funded us for the creation of our brand new website a suite of video footage for online learning and promotional purposes. In 2022 we further received substantial funding for an exciting project to mentor an emerging new generation of tutors under the guidance of our existing team of highly skilled and experienced tutors.

Most recently we received an anonymous and significant donation from an individual who felt that what we have here is very special – a world-class facility offering world-class tuition, whilst remaining small, intimate and inclusive, welcoming everyone with our world famous Kiwi hospitality. It is indeed recognition that we are the best little woodworking school in the Southern hemisphere. Arriving in our bank account within a couple of weeks of our having to shut our doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this donation was a life saver. You know who you are - so thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May your life be long, may your heart be strong, may you find your song. Mauri ora.

2020 marked our fifteenth anniversary and there have been many people along the way who have shown us huge support and goodwill, in big and small ways – former trustees, tutors, students, benefactors and sponsors – even down to that same lovely person who so often drops in a bag of our favourite coffee beans... you are too numerous to mention but your goodwill all adds to the great atmosphere of the place and is part of what we are.

The many donations of money, timber, tools, machinery and other equipment are immensely appreciated – thank you to Carbatec, David Thomas, John Wild, Nelson City Council, Timothy Hurd, Peter Tait, Halswell Timber Ltd, Tamati Smith and the late Adrian Brady.

We would like to thank those organisations whose donations have enabled us to promote the school through past exhibitions –BBS Timbers Ltd, Irving Smith Jack Ltd, Solar City & The Economic Development Agency. We have been gifted wine, beer and food for our annual exhibitions by The Garage Project, Good Honest Products, Castle Rock Farms, Thorkild Hansen, Nicola’s Cantina & Lauren Hutton.

Personal donations are always gratefully received and ongoing support can be formalised through our Friends of the School programme. If you would like to make a one-off donation, please contact us on info@cfw.co.nz or (03) 545 2674. As we are a registered charity, any donation you make is tax deductible.

We are always keen to hear suggestions about funding or donations. If you are able to help with ideas and suggestions, please get in touch.