Community Link has been named the charity of choice for the 23rd annual Hirepool Charity Classic Trilogy golf tournament, hosted by the Wānaka Golf Club (WGC), with proceeds supporting Community Link’s 2026 Cold Kids campaign.

The three-day tournament will bring visitors from across New Zealand to Wānaka in March for a weekend of golf, connection and fundraising. 

The tournament is a much-loved fixture on the local sporting calendar, and since its inception it has raised more than half a million dollars for local charities, including $45,000 for the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust last year.

Read more: Children’s Medical Trust ‘blown away’ - golf tournament raises $45,000

Community Link general manager Kate Murray said being selected as the charity of choice for 2026 was both an honour and an opportunity to highlight the real needs within the community.

“Wānaka is often seen as a wealthy place, but many local families are living with very little financial buffer,” she said.

“The Cold Kids campaign helps ensure children can stay warm through winter, and support from events like the Hirepool Charity [Classic Trilogy] makes a genuine difference for whānau across the Upper Clutha.”

Community Link supports individuals and families throughout the Upper Clutha and responded to more than 5,000 requests for help last year. 

Through the Cold Kids campaign it provides heating assistance, firewood and other essential support to help households stay warm in winter, but it also offers a range of other services. They range from its food bank to one-on-one support and coordination of services like Meals on Wheels and Wheels to Dunstan.

Kate said Community Link and the tournament organisers would love to hear from local organisations and businesses willing to support the event through auction and raffle donations, to maximise fundraising for the Cold Kids campaign.

The Hirepool Charity Classic Trilogy golf tournament will take place from March 20-22.

PHOTO: Wānaka Golf Club