Community Involvement

Investing in our region and its people

Our team contributes time, expertise, and resources to help local organisations make a difference across the Bay of Plenty. Supporting local people, causes, and initiatives isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are.

Our commitment

We don’t just give back, we get involved. Our team provides pro bono legal advice, volunteers at local events, and supports initiatives that strengthen the wellbeing and growth of our region. From mentoring and governance roles to supporting events, we’re proud to stand alongside the people and organisations that make Tauranga such a great place to live and work.

Community Support

In 2021 we celebrated 125 years in business and to acknowledge our birthday we chose to pay it forward and donated lump sums to two local charities doing good things in Tauranga. The charities we chose were the StemWana Trust and The Homes of Hope (chosen by votes from our team).

Supporting future leaders has always been front of mind and in 2022 we launched an annual Graduate Scholarship available to students in the Western Bay of Plenty region keen to explore a career in law. The scholarship provides both financial assistance and mentoring. The successful applicant receives a $10,000 contribution towards their University fees along with a high level of mentoring. They are also matched with a mentor from Sharp Tudhope who is available to support them during their studies.

We are passionate about Tauranga and its future and wherever possible take a sustainable approach to the way we work. We are continuously looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and proud to operate from the first green star rated building in Tauranga.

Some of the organisations we’ve supported

Contributing to our community has always been part of who we are, and we’re proud to provide pro bono legal support to groups doing important work across the Bay of Plenty. Our lawyers contribute their time and expertise to help charities, schools, and community groups continue their important work – from governance and compliance advice to contracts and community projects. Some of the groups we’ve recently supported include:

Massage after Miscarriage, a charity offering care and connection to women after loss.
Whaioranga Trust, through their elder abuse clinics, where we provide legal advice to those facing legal challenges. Read more here
Baywide Community Law, working to improve access to justice for those in need.

This is one way we live into our values of integrity and teamwork, using our skills to make a real difference in our community.

Staff Donation Fund

Through the Sharp Tudhope Staff Donation Fund, our team regularly contributes to local charities and community causes – with donations generously matched by our partners, doubling our impact. Each year, the cause we support is chosen by staff vote, making it a true team effort.

In 2024, we were inspired by the efforts of three Tauranga teenagers — Olly, Thomas and Will — who created Cape to Cape, an 800km journey from Cape Reinga to Cape Egmont to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. Through our staff fund, we contributed over $3,000 to support their mission to help children and families facing cancer.

In 2023 the vote ended in a tie, so we proudly supported:

Boobops Dragon Boat Team, supporting women recovering from breast cancer through sport and connection, and
Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust, which provides care, information and support to local wāhine facing breast cancer.

This fund is one of the ways we come together as a team to support local people doing great things.