New Zealand Open Charitable Trust Launches With First Community-Focused Project

The New Zealand Open Charitable Trust (NZOCT) has officially launched, marking a new era of community connection and charitable giving aligned with the prestigious 104-year-old New Zealand Open.
 
Established in late 2024 and granted charitable status in March 2025, the NZOCT is designed to mirror a model seen at leading tournaments worldwide, where golf serves as a platform to give back to local communities.

With its charitable arm now established, the Trust aims to create meaningful impact by supporting regional initiatives and growing the game of golf in New Zealand.
 
The NZOCT is guided by an independent board of trustees including Chair Brian Cadzow, alongside John Hart, Liz Blackwell, Jonty Edgar, Sandi Young, and Frank Quattrone. Its purpose is two-fold:

• to support the communities of Central Otago and Northern Southland, where the New Zealand Open tournament is hosted, and;
• to foster opportunities and initiatives that grow and support golf in New Zealand.

Funds raised will be directed exclusively toward charitable purposes, including environmental protection, youth and people with disabilities to enjoy and participate in golf, educational pathways, and health and wellbeing initiatives.

To celebrate its launch, the NZOCT has announced its first major community initiative, the Journey to the New Zealand Open. This project creates a pathway for young golfers from the tournament’s host region to compete for a coveted spot in the pro-am field at the New Zealand Open.
 
Participants will have the opportunity to qualify through three club-based events held during November and December this year at Queenstown Golf Club, Wanaka Golf Club, and Cromwell Golf Club. The top performers from each of these events progress to a final event at Millbrook Resort in late January 2026.
 
The winner, decided through a dramatic closest-to-the-pin playoff at the end of the final event, will secure the inaugural NZOCT trophy and a fully paid pro-am spot in the New Zealand Open field.
 
“This project captures exactly what the Trust is here to do,” said NZOCT Chair, Brian Cadzow. “It builds stronger ties between the tournament and our community, inspires the next generation of golfers, and shows how we can use the New Zealand Open as a force for good.”
 
Initial fundraising has already begun through the Guardians of the New Zealand Open and aligned sponsors. The NZOCT Trustees’ long-term goal is to build an endowment fund that ensures ongoing support for charitable projects well into the future.
 
"It is great to see another facet of the tournament develop that builds on the value of the New Zealand Open and its contribution to New Zealand and the community" said New Zealand Open Chairman, John Hart.
 
The NZOCT is now inviting supporters, sponsors, and the wider community to join its mission. More information, including details on funding applications, can be found at www.nzopen.com/charity/.

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