John MacDonald - Whakatipu Hub
In lieu of flowers, John requested for donations to make his vision and passion a dream.
$150,000 would get the project accelerated, John and the Trust have been in discussions with philanthropic locals, government and private funding organisations, and once we raise this initial amount, applying for construction funding becomes much easier.
Donate towards
a lasting memory for
John MacDonald
John set up the Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust in 2019, in his words ...
"to create a community facility, owned by the community, built on community land, providing a bespoke secure, and affordable co-working environment where local charity, social and community groups can work together."
Alternative/ larger Donations to: Whakatipu Community Hub | ASB Account number 12-3234-00115218
Johns Memorial Fund
Your generous donation in lieu of flowers will help us towards our $150,000 goal, to create a Community Hub that John worked tirelessly to build.
Media Release from the Whakatipu Hub
It is with great sadness that the Chair and Trustees of the Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust pays tribute to our founder, past chair and dear friend John MacDonald. John succumbed to Multiple System Atrophy (a rare neurodegenerative disorder) on Saturday, surrounded by friends and family.
John had a vision to create a community owned facility that would offer security and affordability to local charity, social and community groups. He created the Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust in 2019 to achieve this aim.
John collected a team around him and brought strong business acumen, governance experience, extensive local knowledge, pragmatic decision-making skills and lived experience of the health system to the project. While failing health forced him to retire from a number of positions, he remained involved as a Hub Trustee right up to this summer. He advocated for his vision with his very last few breaths – urging the trust to use his passing to promote the hub concept and fundraise for its delivery.
His final wishes were at his celebration of life on the 28th March at Lake Hayes Pavillion to sought donations for the Hub in lieu of flowers and that the opportunity to seek philanthropic funds were pursued while people gathered.
It was a privilege to work alongside John and be part of his vision for our community. A generous, companionable and witty human, his presence is already sorely missed.
The Trust is committed to ensuring his legacy endures through the Whakatipu Hub, which will serve as a permanent space to uplift and strengthen our community.
Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and colleagues as we mourn his loss.
Hamish Wilton
Chair@whakatipuhub.org.nz
About the Whakatipu Hub
Building Community, Together
The Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust was founded in 2019 to create a welcoming space where local charities, social services, and community groups can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Inspired by successful hubs like The Kollective (Tauranga) and The Loft (Christchurch), our vision is to provide shared offices and resources, fostering efficiency, connection, and a true sense of belonging.
Designed to be an inclusive and accessible hub, this will be a place where the community feels at home—a space for ideas, support, and collective action. With construction targeted for 2025-26, our dedicated Trustees are working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this vision to life. Bringing strong governance and diverse expertise, they share a deep passion for creating a space that strengthens Whakatipu’s social and community sector.
Join us in making this happen—your support will help build a thriving, connected, and welcoming community hub!
Donations to:
Whakatipu Community Hub; ASB Account number 12-3234-00115218
Contact us if you want to help: admin@whakatipuhub.org.nz