Koha Tree brings together three types of amazing people, each playing a vital role in making our communities stronger through kaupapa like Shoebox Christmas:
These are the generous souls who want to contribute to their communities. As a kaituku, you can:
Browse projects in your area or across the country
Sign up to give specific gifts or general support
Get matched with recipients and receive clear guidelines
Connect directly with project coordinators
Be part of something bigger than yourself
These are the organisations and the tamariki (children) they care for. As an organisation, you receive the koha aroha (gifts of love and compassion).
These community champions create and lead projects that address real local needs. They:
Identify what their community needs most
Set up projects on our platform
Coordinate with kaituku and tūao
Ensure everyone feels supported and connected
Share their success with other communities
Community Need Identified: A school, organisation, or community member sees a need
Project Created: A kaiwhakahaere kaupapa sets up a project with clear details
People Join: Kaituku sign up to give, tūao sign up to help
Magic Happens: Gifts are prepared, collected, and distributed with aroha
Community Strengthened: Everyone benefits - givers, receivers, and the whole whānau
Unlike other platforms, Koha Tree is:
Community-owned: Built by volunteers, for volunteers
Culturally-grounded: Rooted in Māori values of reciprocity and care
Relationship-focused: Creating connections, not just transactions
Youth-led: Empowering rangatahi to lead their communities
Completely voluntary: Every bit of mahi done with aroha
The beautiful thing about Koha Tree is that it grows with what communities need. Started projects you think others would love? Create them. Seen a way to make things better? Let us know. This is your platform, built to serve your community.
Ready to jump in? Choose how you'd like to contribute and let's get started!
Kia pai te rā (have a great day),
The Koha Tree Team
If you’d like to learn more about how it works - have a look here:
