Charity endeavours a highlight of Craigs Investment Partners’ support of New Zealand Open

A longstanding major sponsor of next week’s New Zealand Open, presented by Millbrook Resort, is bringing fun, laughter, a healthy dose of competition and charity fundraising to the world-class golf tournament.

Craigs Investment Partners is passionate about creating positive change through sport and returns to the tournament for the third time with new initiative the Long Putt Challenge and crowd favourite Birdies for Charity.

The Long Putt Challenge is the new kid on the block, open to all amateur golfers or any member of the public aged six years and up who just wants to “have a go”.

The competition runs from Thursday to Sunday (February 26 to March 1) 10am to 5pm daily at the Tee Junction, a fun new multi-activation zone alongside The Avenue at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort.

By registering and making a donation to support the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust (LDART), spectators get two attempts at the big prize. Everyone who makes a Long Putt ‘hole-in-one’ goes into the daily draw to win $1,000 prize money from Craigs and a Canon PowerShot GOLF provided by Canon.

Jeremy Williamson, Craigs Head of Private Wealth and Markets, says the Long Putt Challenge fundraiser aligns with Craigs’ values.

“As a business with offices in over 20 locations across New Zealand, connecting with and supporting the communities we serve nationwide is hugely important to us. This event is a fantastic, fun way to support the Lakes District community by raising much needed funds for vital air ambulance and search and rescue services provided by the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust.”

All donations, along with a matching grant from the newly-formed New Zealand Open Charitable Trust, go to LDART. “We hope to see plenty of spectators on the ground come and give it a go, which in turn hopefully raises a meaningful sum for local need,” says Jeremy.

LDART Chairman and spokesperson Jules Tapper says additional funding is vital to support dedicated helicopter air ambulance services and Search and Rescue capability in the Southern Otago, Southern Lakes and Southland regions of New Zealand.

“The region services all territory south of Haast to Oamaru, by far the largest area in New Zealand and rescue missions are increasing annually as more people explore our great surroundings.”

‘Birdies for Charity’ sees Craigs donate $10 per birdie across both courses over the four days. In previous years 1800-3000 birdies have been recorded so the potential impact is huge. An incredible $26,000 was raised last year.

This year the public also has the opportunity to contribute and make a donation to support Craigs Birdies for Charity. Donations can be made by scanning the QR Code in the SKY broadcast or going to craigsip.com

Jeremy Williamson says Craigs is “thrilled” to bring back Birdies for Charity for the third year.

“It’s a win-win for everyone; players, spectators, and most importantly, the worthy causes we’re supporting,” he says.  “It harnesses the energy and support of the tournament for greater charitable causes and this year we’re proud to see all funds raised going to support the New Zealand Open Charitable Trust in their endeavours and Cure Kids vital research to improve the health and wellbeing of children in New Zealand.

“We can’t wait to see players rise to the challenge and the public get behind this incredible initiative.”

Cure Kids spokesperson Frances Soutter says they are “incredibly thankful” to Craigs for their ongoing support, which enables vital research into a wide range of child health conditions.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be part of Craigs Birdies for Charity again. Every birdie and donation supports research on the big health issues which impact the lives of our tamariki,” says Frances Soutter, Cure Kids CEO.

New Zealand Open Charitable Trust chair Brian Cadzow says fundraising events organised by Craigs align with their goal of championing involvement in the game while supporting the community that hosts the tournament.

“Not only do these Craigs’ initiatives add an element of community spirited fun to the tournament but they do so in a way which supports vital organisations in need.”

Craigs is calling on all spectators at Millbrook and everyone watching the broadcast to get in behind the golf for good initiatives to help raise much-needed funds for charity.” said Hart.

More information below:

• Charity Initiatives Take Centre Stage at New Zealand Open >
• Leveraging Golf for Good >

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Images

1/ A general view on the final round at the 104th NZ Open golf tournament at Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown, New Zealand. Sunday 2 March 2025. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport

2/  Lakes District Air Rescue Trust Chairman Jules Tapper and Community Liaison Trustee Robert (Bob) Young raising vital funds through Craigs’ activation in 2025.  

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