Is Food a Natural Medicine - Walnuts - A Kiwi Superfood Story
We had a fantastic evening last night with Walnuts NZ at BrainTree to talk about the interrelationship of food, health, and nutrition
We had a fantastic evening last night with Walnuts NZ at BrainTree to talk about the interrelationship of food, health, and nutrition. The focus included the benefits that food can bring to support better health outcomes including cognitive ones. Our three amazing presenters; Jan Hales (founder of the Nutrition Bureau), Leigh O’Brien (consultant dietician at Dietary Specialists) and Conrad Goodhew (founder of Conrad Goodhew Nutrition) shared some very interesting facts and thoughts which were very educational, inspirational and entertaining.
Thank you to all of you who attended, it was lovely to see you and we do hope you enjoyed the evening. If you were interested in purchasing any of the walnut products from Trickett’s Grove, please visit their online shop here.
Solar update
We're thrilled that BrainTree is one of the lucky recipients of the Meridian Energy 2024 Community Decarbonisation Fund, enabling our solar panel project.
We're thrilled that BrainTree is one of the lucky recipients of the Meridian Energy 2024 Community Decarbonisation Fund, enabling our solar panel project.
Thanks to Meridian Energy and Christchurch Electrical (1999) Ltd, we've successfully installed solar panels on our building in record time. And the results are very impressive!
We're extremely grateful for this fantastic initiative and partnership with Meridian Energy and Christchurch Electrical.
We have reduced our carbon footprint and become more sustainable, which is a huge step forward for us.
Thanks to everyone involved who made this happen.
We’re going Solar!
Braintree Wellness Centre is buzzing to have been chosen as one lucky recipient of the Meridian Energy 2024 Community Decarbonisation Fund!
We will partner with Meridian Energy and Christchurch Electrical (1999) Ltd to deliver this exciting project very soon!
Braintree Wellness Centre is buzzing to have been chosen as one lucky recipient of the Meridian Energy 2024 Community Decarbonisation Fund!
We will partner with Meridian Energy and Christchurch Electrical (1999) Ltd to deliver this exciting project very soon!
We are very grateful for the generous funding to allow us to install solar panels on our community centre. This will enable us to reduce our power bills and lower our carbon footprint significantly for the benefit of many.
Let the journey begin!
Brothers + Sisters of BrainTree Golfing with the Stars 2024
The 2024 edition of this annual fixture was the most successful yet. The weather gods were kind to us, and the 240+ players, pros, stars and volunteers were even kinder. We raised a whopping $310,000 for BrainTree Wellness Centre, and the feedback we’ve received has been off the charts.
The 2024 edition of this annual fixture was the most successful yet. The weather gods were kind to us, and the 240+ players, pros, stars and volunteers were even kinder. We raised a whopping $310,000 for BrainTree Wellness Centre, and the feedback we’ve received has been off the charts.
The winners of the coveted green jackets were team Anthony Harper. Some went awfully close but no-one managed to nail one of the four chances to make a hole-in-one. The boat and car remain safely tucked up in their showroom for another year.
It may or may not be the last charity tournament Sir Bob Charles plays in. He’s going to keep us guessing. When Greg Turner shared the neuro challenges his brother Brian was facing spoke there was not a dry eye in the house. Sir Bob and Greg deservedly received standing O’s. It was one of those rare occasions where we get to honour our sporting heroes, and it felt good.
At the end of a very social day the icing on the cake was an impromptu performance by Jordan Luck. Jordan was playing solo, for a moment at least. it didn’t take long for the audience to find their voice and join in. It was a buzz!
Special thanks to our four key sponsors, the Brothers and Sisters of Braintree - TDX, Direct Logistics, Charter Transport and GVI. Big shout out to all of the stars, the teams, the volunteers, the sponsors of the tee blocks and the bidders in the auctions. Your efforts will make a massive impact on the people living with neuro conditions in Canterbury. Thank you for caring 🤗❤️🙏
BrainTree Ball @ Te Pae 2024
Our BrainTree Ball at Te Pae was an unforgettable experience.
With 550+ guests we weren't sure we could recreate the intimacy of previous balls. From the moment the STAC pipe band led us into the ballroom we felt something special was unfolding.
Our BrainTree Ball at Te Pae was an unforgettable experience.
With 550+ guests we weren't sure we could recreate the intimacy of previous balls. From the moment the STAC pipe band led us into the ballroom we felt something special was unfolding.
Petra Bagust our MC, Phil McGoldrick our auctioneer and Mirrors Band were sensational yet again. However, the pinnacle of the night was the performance by opera soprano Anna Leese. The power and the passion in her voice was unmistakeable. When she shared her story, it brought a tear to even the staunchest blokes in the room. You could have heard a pin drop.
It was very heartwarming for us to feel such an outpouring of goodwill, empathy and support for the work we do.
The final count from the Ball is in and we've raised a staggering $235,000
Thank you so much to everyone who supported us. It was a night to remember. We feel very fortunate.
We have now begun planning of our BrainTree Ball 2025!
BrainTree Golfing with the Stars 2023
The 3rd BrainTree Golfing with the Stars at Clearwater on Friday was bigger and brighter than ever.
The 3rd BrainTree Golfing with the Stars at Clearwater on Friday was bigger and brighter than ever. Featuring 32 big name sporting heros, including Sir Bob Charles and Wynton Rufer, 160 golfers and 40 volunteers.
There was healthy competition on the golf course, and there was plenty of bonhomie. The two Brendans (Prendergast and Quill) set the tone from the get go with an entertaining pre-match briefing, complete with waving lamb rack (confused, we were too!). It left you in no doubt that you couldn't take yourself too seriously today.
Despite the best efforts of some extraordinary golfers the four holes in one remained elusive. Next year maybe.
A huge shout out to our major sponsors, Linde Material Handling, Direct Logistics, GVI Logistics, and Charter Transport, all the teams, volunteers, stars and Clearwater Golf Club who combined to raise funds for Braintree Wellness Centre and to have a lot of fun. You're making a huge impact and we love you for it.
BrainTree Ball raises $120,000!
On Saturday 24th June, we held our 2nd BrainTree Ball and what a night we had!
On Saturday 24th June, we held our 2nd BrainTree Ball and what a night we had!
With a crusade of our own going on with 280 keen supporters getting together to celebrate our first year open with a Ball at the Christchurch Art Gallery. There was music, dancing, lots of banter and a hugely successful auction. Unbelieveably, we raised just on $120,000
Beautifully compered by the dazzling Petra Bagust - who's passion for the cause is unmistakeable - and NZ Auctioneer of the Year, Mark McGoldrick the night went way beyond expectations.
The evening also featured the presentation of cheque for $25,200 from Matt Rose, who's solo walk of the South Island leg of Te Araroa Trail earlier this year raised a staggering $250k for 10 charities.
We were incredibly lucky to be one of the beneficiaries of Matt’s Good Walk. Thank you so much Matt and Rachel Rose.
And a huge shoutout to all the people who contributed to what was a very heartwarming and special night.
TDX raises $54,712.00 for BrainTree
We were blown away last Thursday night when Colm Hamrogue, CEO of Christchurch-based company TDX, presented Simon with a cheque for $54,712.00!
We were blown away last Thursday night when Colm Hamrogue, CEO of Christchurch-based company TDX, presented Simon with a cheque for $54,712.00!
Colm and his team, together with their suppliers, customers and supporters, ran an online auction for the month of April which culminated in a live auction at Hotel Montreal.
We feel very privileged and humbled by the outpouring of support. It's incredibly generous and very heart-warming.
A stunning example of how Christchurch businesses are going to extraordinary lengths to support us.
Big shout out to Phil McGoldrick for a very entertaining auction, Hotel Montreal for hosting us and to all the contributors who made it such a successful evening.
OPEN DAY: 26th November 2022
On Saturday 26th November, we held our first ‘open day’ at BrainTree where we invited you all in to see what we have created together with your support.
On Saturday 26th November, we held our first ‘open day’ at BrainTree where we invited you all in to see what we have created together with your support.
Thankfully the weather gods were in our favour and with the sun shining we had a steady of stream of people from 9:30am onwards which was great to see. It was wonderful to see your reaction to our new wellness centre and we received heart-warming praise and gratitude for what we are doing as a collective which is encouraging.
BrainTree is the beautiful new home for Dementia Canterbury, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Charitable Trust Canterbury, Stroke Foundation of NZ, Southern Music Therapy and now Aspire Canterbury’s store.
As always, we appreciate all of your support and look forward to seeing you at BrainTree. You are always welcome.
Smiths City Golfing with the Stars 2022
The weather gods were smiling down on us last Friday as the 2022 Smith City BrainTree golf tournament swung into gear.
The weather gods were smiling down on us last Friday as the 2022 Smiths City BrainTree golf tournament swung into gear.
25 stars (and superstars) of Canterbury and NZ sport came out in force to support brain health, and to lend a hand to each of the teams.
There was high spirits, hi-jinx and much waving of hands. Not surprising when you have an event masterminded by Andrew Tilby, Jason Millar, Brendan Quill and their ringleader, Brendan Prendergast.
There were shots, shots, hot toddies, swingers and lamb cutlets to die for, keeping up the energy levels on-course. Not that they needed the encouragement!
For the record, the hotly contested title was taken by the Zeal Construction team - well done guys!
The real winner was the BrainTree Wellness Centre. It was a remarkable fundraising effort and an extraordinary event, and “we cracked a hundy!”
The importance of the cause was underlined by impassioned and impromptu speeches from Bondy (Chris Bond) and Talky-Man (Grant England). Thanks guys - that was not a setup - you blew us away too.
Thank you again to our major sponsor Smiths City, and a huge thanks to the players, the stars, the volunteers and the sponsors. You made it a very special occasion.
The BrainTree Ball 2022
The BrainTree Ball 2022 could not have gone any better! 300 kind souls descended on the Christchurch Art Gallery on 27th August in support of the BrainTree Wellness Centre, and what a party we had.
The BrainTree Ball 2022 could not have gone any better! 300 kind souls descended on the Christchurch Art Gallery on 27th August in support of the BrainTree Wellness Centre, and what a party we had.
Led by the stunningly beautiful Petra Bagust and auctioneer extraordinaire Phil McGoldrick we successfully raised $90,000, but we achieved much more than that. Petra touched our hearts, sharing her own personal experience of her father's battle with parkinsons and elevating the cause. We learnt that music, dancing and giving is most definitely good for the brain, and the soul.
It all added up to create a very special night and left you feeling great on so many levels. We can’t wait for BrainTree Ball 2023! We will let you know the date as soon as we can.
The BrainTree Centre Official Opening Event
With fanfare provided by the CSO, BrainTree was officially opened by the Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, last Thursday evening.
With fanfare provided by the CSO, BrainTree was officially opened by the Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, last Thursday evening.
The culmination of five years planning, fundraising and building by a large group of volunteers and donors we had every reason to celebrate. It was our opportunity to say thank you to the people who made BrainTree a reality.
Graham Bennetts dramatic sculpture 'the knot' was unveiled. Inspired by the Circle of Willis - a junction in the back of your head where blood is supplied to the brain - it also draws on the knots forming a traditional Maori fishing net.
The four arms represent the four dimensions of Maori health (Hauroa). Recognising that physical, spiritual, mental and family all play a role in a person's health and wellbeing.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered!
A huge shout out to Mark Ford and the team at Fulton Hogan.
A huge shout out to Mark Ford and the team at Fulton Hogan. The carpark is done and dusted. The topcoat is down and the 70 car spaces are all marked up. It looks sharp!
And the best news is that the extra-wide parks and clearances give plenty of turning room - not just the preserve of Suzuki Swifts!
We have Mark Ford and our friends at Fulton Hogan to thank for this. They've been very supportive of our project from the early stages. Not only have they done a top-quality job, they knocked $50,000 off the bill and joined the ranks of our Anchor Donors. Awesome effort guys!
Mark, a senior exec at FH, has a personal interest in the BrainTree project. He experienced an ischemic stroke in 2019 which left him immobile. He believes the support and encouragement he received from his social circle was a major factor in the incredible outcome he experienced. He is also a Board member of the Stroke Foundation - one of BrainTree's founding tenants.
Here's what else has been happening onsite...
Decortech linings to the Atrium near completion
Tile install completion
2nd Fix services completed
Joinery install complete
Internal hardware complete
Glass install complete
HVAC ducting system complete
All bathrooms complete
Tiling to cafe and kitchen areas complete
Carpet tile install underway
Last of the wallpaper has been hung
Painting to common areas complete
Tenancy fit-out is underway
Landscaping completed
Flashings completed
Carpark civil works completed
Its all go!
BrainTree Opening in Six Weeks 📢📢
The tenants and their staff are buzzing - they're starting to pack their bags! We plan to open our doors after Queens Birthday weekend.
You can help us get there!
The tenants and their staff are buzzing - they're starting to pack their bags! We plan to open our doors after Queens Birthday weekend.
We are on budget and on time. No mean feat in the current climate! The team at Armitage Williams Construction Limited deserve a lot of the credit for this. The energy and goodwill on-site from all the contractors has been humbling.
What is not well-known is the $8 million+ price tag for BrainTree has been almost entirely funded by private individuals, businesses, and community trusts in Christchurch.
A big shout out and thanks to St Lucia Properties (Brian & Jannie Gillman), Hotel Montreal, Steven McDonald & Jacqui McDonald, Jeremy Blake & Rachel Blake and Rotary Club of Bishopdale Burnside who have recently joined the long list of anchor donors.
You too can help us make BrainTree a reality by becoming a donor. It’s not too late! We have $400,000 to raise in the next six weeks to fund our fit out and be ready to open.
To make a donation or to find out more you can go to https://www.canterburybraincollective.org/take-action or contact Simon at 021 246 0451 or simon@canterburybraincollective.org.
We'd love you to join our BrainTree family.
Our walls have been plastered!
All thanks to Winstone Wallboards & Southern Interior Linings.
All thanks to Winstone Wallboards & Southern Interior Linings.
As the drywall has now been 99% installed within the BrainTree Centre, the team have been made acutely aware of how close the facility actually is, to nearing completion.
Through the whirlwind that has been the last year and a half, this project has persevered on time and on budget, with efficient product delivery, competent site workers, and benevolent organisations from all industries. We are in awe of the unified local effort that has made BrainTree possible.
Another organisation that has pulled some serious strings for us is Winstone Wallboards. Despite national (and international) shortages, we still received our materials in a timely manner - and with a generous in-kind contribution!
Here's what else the team has been working on:
✔ Gib fixing 95% complete
✔ Courtyard and deck nearing completion
✔ Landscaping and paving underway
✔ Carpark works now beginning
✔ Ceiling grid system underway
✔ Painting has begun
✔ Tiling to bathroom areas has begun
✔ Livening of the main switchboard has occurred
Windows + Doors = Here 🚪
The centre is now being tied together nicely, thanks to Hagley Windows and Doors.
The centre is now being tied together nicely, thanks to Hagley Windows and Doors.
Some of the team visited the building site recently, and we were absolutely blown away by the progress of the centre! Just check out the incredible view from our studio room.
We have Geoff Ball and the team at Hagley Windows and Doors to thank for these brilliant finishes. They have gone well beyond our expectations in terms of services and product, have been supportive of the project from the get-go and we are very pleased that they have joined our ever-growing team of anchor donors.
The Centre has been Wired to Life ⚡
The Sparkies are Flyin' and the first fix of the building services are complete, courtesy of Christchurch Electrical Ltd & Co.
The Sparkies are Flyin' and the first fix of the building services are complete, courtesy of Christchurch Electrical Ltd. & Co.
We are chuffed to introduce another anchor donor to the BrainTree project - Christchurch Electrical (incorporating Christchurch Communications, South Island Plumbing, AND The Heat Pump People).
Rex and Warren have gone to great lengths to ensure we've received the Rolls Royce in systems: including the electrical, lighting, HVAC equipment (teaming up with Daikin New Zealand), data and plumbing systems… the list goes on! And all while significantly contributing to the project in kind.
Another special mention is due to our electrical material suppliers, Radcliffe Electrical, who have generously contributed a significant donation to the project. Cheers guys!
Thanking our Community Supporters
Giving our community granters a special shout out for choosing to support the Braintree project.
We're wanting to give our community granters a special shout out for choosing to support the Braintree project.
The Lion Foundation, Rātā Foundation, CERT (Kiwi Gaming Foundation), Mainland Foundation, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Air Rescue Services Limited, Pub Charity Limited, Christchurch City Council, New Zealand Community Trust, The Trusts Community Foundation, and Aotearoa Gaming Trust.
We are so grateful that these groups have chosen to get on board with supporting our project. They have embraced our vision from the get-go and have been incredibly supportive. It has, above all else, shown us that Braintree really is a valued Christchurch community asset.
Our Structural Steel is Standing
We are so grateful to the team at John Jones Steel for providing us with the backbone of our building.
💪 MEET THE MEN OF STEEL 💪
We are so grateful to Frank Van Schaijik and the team at John Jones Steel Limited for providing us with the backbone of our building - the MASSIVE steel structure that's currently taking shape in the picture below. Everything is certainly going to plan on-site!
We'd also like to welcome them as Anchor Donors to the Braintree project - we couldn't do it without their support, literally! 🙌
Civil Engineering Brilliance
Some seriously spotless civil engineering has gone down on-site, courtesy of our pals at Isaac Construction.
Some seriously spotless civil engineering has gone down on-site, courtesy of our pals at Isaac Construction.
We're travelling back to March earlier this year to pay homage to the crew at Isaac and their brilliant job on the civil front. Isaac's put in the mega hard yards behind the scenes to prime our land, ready for the main build.
They laid the drainage and pipework, prepped the carpark and foundations, and laid down the geogrid.
We feel super blessed that they've since chosen to join our in-kind Anchor Donor family. Go team!