NZ Open announces new golf charity details

From the NZ Open Charitable Trust.

The New Zealand Open Charitable Trust is supporting a range of charitable initiatives and fundraisers in its first year, with support from the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort and the tournament partners.

The Trust was established in 2025, inspired by the philanthropic traditions of major golf tournaments worldwide, creating a charitable arm to complement the world-class Queenstown tournament.

Brian Cadzow, Chair of the New Zealand Open Charitable Trust, says establishing the Trust has been a long-held dream for the tournament and the trustees are “very excited” about adding a charitable arm to “the best free event in New Zealand.”

“The money raised will go back to the region where the New Zealand Open is hosted, and we’re thrilled to demonstrate the many benefits we can bring to the event and vital organisations in need,” he says. “Together we can build a legacy that extends well beyond the tournament.”

Last month, the Trust ran the ‘Journey to the Open’ initiative, a successful event designed to inspire and reward emerging young golfers. Sixteen-year-old Cayden Vlok-Ede from Cromwell won the chance to play in the official pro-am at the New Zealand Open.

Trust Chair Brian Cadzow said, “The event was a reminder of the talent coming through local clubs and connected the tournament with aspiring young golfers in the local community”.

The Trust operates independently of the New Zealand Open’s governance while being closely connected to the tournament itself. It’s core purposes include championing involvement in the game, regionally and across New Zealand, and supporting the community and environment in the region that hosts the event.

At the 2026 New Zealand Open, the Trust will be a beneficiary of three tournament partner events that will further add community-spirited fun to the tournament.

The Craigs Investment Partners Birdies for Charity event is back for its third year, and this year all funds raised will go to support the Trust’s charitable endeavours and Cure Kids’ high-impact research to improve the health and wellbeing of children in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Jeremy Williamson, Craigs’ Head of Private Wealth and Markets, says the event raised $26,000 for charity last year. “We are thrilled to bring back Birdies for Charity this year supporting the Trust's charitable efforts and Cure Kids' vital research to improve childrens' lives. It’s a win-win for players, spectators, and most importantly, the worthy causes we’re supporting, harnessing the energy and support of the tournament for a greater charitable cause.”

Craigs Investment Partners are also running the Long Putt Challenge in the new Tee Junction fan activation zone (alongside The Avenue) at Millbrook Resort. The spectator challenge-based fundraiser aligns with their values of supporting communities in which Craigs Investment Partners operates.

“The Long Putt Challenge is a fantastic, fun way to support the Lakes District community by raising much-needed funds for the important air ambulance and search and rescue services provided by the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust (LDART). All donations, along with a matching grant from the New Zealand Open Charity, go to LDART to benefit this vital local service,” says Jeremy.

Thanks to Gallagher Insurance, Millbrook Resort will host the Kiwi Art Trail during the tournament, with members of the public encouraged to follow the trail to see all 17 uniquely decorated Kiwi artworks dotted around the tournament precinct.

“It’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and community, inviting visitors to explore the curated collection of artworks by Kiwi artists, with each piece telling a uniquely local story,” says Debbie Lowe, Gallagher’s Head of Marketing and Sponsorship.

Each Kiwi has been designed and painted by talented artists from across the country, including Otis Frizzell, FLOX, Haser, Sandi Young & Jing Liu. Since the inaugural exhibition in Auckland in 2023, the Trail has generated more than $150,000 for kiwi conservation around the country. One special Kiwi, painted by Sandi Young, a talented Trustee of the New Zealand Open Charitable Trust, will also be auctioned, with the funds raised from that going to the New Zealand Open Charitable Trust.

General donations to the NZOCT can be made by visiting nzopen.com/charity or by contacting [email protected]