27 July 2026
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is celebrating another successful year of partnership with BestStart, with the 2026 BestStart Butterfly Appeal raising an impressive $86,000 to support tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa.
The appeal once again saw BestStart centres across Aotearoa come together with creativity, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to supporting local communities. From reading challenges and teddy bear picnics to wheel-a-thons, raffles and fundraising events, tamariki, teachers and whānau embraced the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause.
A special congratulations goes to BestStart Kamo Central in Whangārei, which was named this year's top fundraising centre. Centre Manager Kay Eady said the team was proud to support an organisation that has been making a difference for generations of whānau.
"We are incredibly honoured to have raised such an amazing amount for Plunket. Plunket has been supporting whānau and pēpi in our community for many years, providing invaluable guidance and care during the early stages of a child's life. Knowing that our fundraising efforts will help Plunket continue this important mahi, that has such a positive impact on the wellbeing of families, makes us very proud."
Much of the centre's success was driven by teacher Karyn Morgan, who spent months crocheting and selling handmade creatures to raise funds for the appeal. From octopuses and stingrays to Triceratops dinosaurs, Karyn's creations helped BestStart Kamo Central raise an outstanding $3,667, making it this year's top fundraising centre.
This year, the partnership between Plunket and BestStart strengthened even further, with Plunket kaimahi providing health, wellbeing and educational support in BestStart centres throughout the Appeal. Their involvement increased awareness of and support for the Appeal, helping broaden its impact and connect more tamariki and whānau with Plunket's trusted services.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford said the continued support from BestStart makes a real difference.
"We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing commitment shown by BestStart, its centres, teachers, tamariki and whānau. Partnerships like this help us continue providing trusted support and services to families throughout Aotearoa. Every dollar raised helps us be there for whānau when they need us most."
Since becoming a Star Partner in 2014, BestStart has played an important role in supporting Plunket's vision for strong communities, confident whānau, thriving children. Funds raised through the annual Butterfly Appeal help support community initiatives and services that make a difference for whānau throughout the country.
This year, the BestStart Butterfly Appeal raised an incredible amount despite challenging economic conditions. This achievement reflects the dedication and generosity of the hundreds of tamariki, educators, and families who participated in fundraising activities throughout Appeal Week.
Since the Butterfly Appeal launched in 2016, BestStart centres have now raised more than $569,000 for Whānau Āwhina Plunket, helping support generations of pēpi, tamariki and whānau across New Zealand.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in this year's appeal and helped make another successful Butterfly Appeal possible.
Photo (left to right): Jessica Kitt, Whānau Āwhina Partnerships Manager; Dr Zoë Tipa, Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Nurse; Tony Ryall, BestStart CEO; Karyn Morgan, BestStart Kamo Central Teacher; Karyn Eady, BestStart Kamo Central Centre Manager.
