
Cornerstone Sports Achievement Trust
Originally established in 2006 by seven Te Awamutu locals, the Cornerstone Sports Achievement Trust was set up after identifying there was a gap in funding for sporting codes breaking through from grassroots level through to high performance.
Since its inception, hundreds of athletes have benefited from the funding from Cornerstone Trust to achieve their dreams.
MEET THE TRUSTEES
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Mark McNaughten
Mark has been a trustee of the Cornerstone Trust since 2017. He is a co-owner and manager of Homeward Interiors and is married to Bev with whom he has two adult children, Kirtis and Katie.
After attending and supporting Cornerstone Trust’s fundraising luncheons for many years, Mark was delighted to be part of the team behind the scenes. Mark enjoys seeing and being able to assist our future sporting stars in our community. He finds the luncheons provide great opportunities to listen to the recipients achievements but also hear from interesting guest speakers.
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Luke Parsons
Luke has been involved with Cornerstone Trust as a trustee since 2022. He is a financial advisor through NZ Home Loans.
Luke has been part of local sport for a number of years and finds being a Trustee of the Cornerstone Trust is a great way to stay involved in sport while trying to assist local athletes acheive their full potential with as much support as possible.
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Ross Fleming
Ross has been a trustee since 2019 and has supported the Trust through his business, JL Connolly Limited for many years. Ross is married to Jenny who is also a local business owner of Ruby Rose and supporter of the Cornerstone Trust.
Ross has been involved in sports for many years, particularly Te Awamutu Sport Rugby Club. He finds his role as trustee a very satisfying experience in being able to assist young achievers to strive to make their sporting dreams a reality.
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Shona McDonald
Shona joined the Cornerstone Trust as a trustee in 2023. She and her husband Craig have three adult children who have all been involved in sport throughout their lives. Shona has also been involved in sports administration and she and her husband run a busy local business, Truestyle Improvements.
Shona has been a supporter of Cornerstone Trust for many years, and joined to give back to the community. She sees the role as a rewarding one in helping sportspeople achieve their goals.
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Rebecca Hill
Rebecca joined the Cornerstone Trust in 2023. She and her husband Scott have two boys, Connor and Fergus who are both heavily involved in high performance sport through squash. She is also involved in sports administration particularly in squash in Te Awamutu.
She is passionate about supporting our local sportspeople in the pursuits of high performance sport. Particularly for those athletes in sports where they are largely self funded and limited by outside funding.
HOW TO APPLY
CRITERIA FOR APPLICATIONS
Are you a resident of or have a strong affiliation to the
Te Awamutu area?
Are you a sportsperson or organisation pursuing a high level of sporting achievement?
Are you seeking assistance for your costs (e.g. travel) in the advancement of elite sport?
Submit an application by downloading our Application Form
FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON
The Cornerstone Trust’s one and only fundraising event each year is the Cornerstone Trust’s Fundraising Luncheon held in November at the Te Awamutu Sports Club Rooms.
Hosting a range of wonderful speakers, the Trust’s supportive guests raise funds for distribution for the following year from ticket sales and memorabilia auctions.
Previous guest speakers have included shot putter Tom Walsh, commentator Keith Quin, jockey Lance O’Sullivan and professional driver Scott McLaughlin.
Keep an eye out for our next fundraising luncheon on Facebook and local newspapers.
RECENT RECIPIENTS

Tyrah Rowland - Team NZ World Juniors - Powerlifting - Malta 2024

Maude Rewha - Volleyball - 2024 (National Fund)

Riley Wood - NZ Rodeo Cowboy Association Team - USA 2024

Waihoro Tauroa - Waka Ama Teams Event - Hawaii 2024

Talia Tauroa - Waka Ama Teams Event - Hawaii 2024

Holly Harris - Under 20s NZ World Cup Lacrosse Team - Hong Kong 2024

Isabelle Vrensen - Under 20s NZ World Cup Lacrosse Team - Hong Kong 2024
Floyd Owen - Lacrosse (National Fund)
Katherine Camp - 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Serbia

Anita Blakely - Under 20s NZ World Cup Lacrosse Team- Hong Kong 2024

Brooke Penny - BMX 2024 - BMX World Cup and World Champs U23 Elite Women - Australia and USA
Sophie Penny - BMX 2024 - BMX World Racing Championship USA
Luca Penny - BMX 2024 - BMX World Racing Championship USA

Blake Ellis - Basketball 2024 - Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup

Nathan Dale - Rugby 2023

Baiden Prescott - BMX 2024 - BMX World Racing Championship USA

Lily Dixon - Lacrosse 2023 - Australian U15s National Champs

Grace Fursdon - Basketball 2023 - Australia Country Cup

Fergus Hill - NZ Secondary Schools Squash Team 2023 - Trans Tasman Test
James Scott - MXON 23 - France

Brylee-Ella Gibbes - Hip Hop International World Championship - 2023

Brooke Penny - 2023 World Champs Junior Elite Team to Scotland

Connor Hill - NZ Junior Boys Squash Team 2023
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