The Tara Trust

Following an invitation to tender process in December 2021, The Tara Trust has appointed Karen Manning as their national coordinator. Born in Dublin Karen has lived in Aotearoa with her family since 2012 and recently became a New Zealand citizen. Karen is co-owner of the Dubliner, Irish Bar & Restaurant located in Mid-Canterbury and is passionate about all things Irish. She has attended multiple Friends of Ireland and Irish Business Network (IBNNZ) events and has previously been involved in adjudicating for the Canterbury Rose of Tralee selection. Karen will be supported in the role by Rí Rá Events, an event management company based in Canterbury.

“We’re delighted to announce that Karen Manning has been appointed to this role. The Tara Trust is looking forward to supporting our existing groups and delivering a number of exciting projects during the year". Niamh McMahon, Chair of the Tara Trust and Honorary Consul General of Ireland Auckland.

Karen will be tasked with promoting Irish arts, culture, welfare and projects and will work to connect with existing groups and the Embassy of Ireland to identify opportunities to promote Irish heritage to the wider New Zealand public as well as with Irish born and those of Irish descent. The coordinator will be available to work with all groups to support the promotion of any activities and events that promote the Irish community and/or Ireland.

To enable this project to reach the widest possible audience including members of the diaspora who are not associated with any existing organisations, The Tara Trust will now manage and leverage the digital channels and audience of the Friends of Ireland project.

About The Tara Trust
The Tara Trust exists to support the Irish Community in New Zealand through its support of Irish arts, culture and the welfare of the Irish diaspora. It’s trustees are Niamh McMahon, Rodney Walshe and Caolan Keegan.

During the last 2 years, the trust has supported a number of Irish citizens with welfare support as well as being involved in the publication of a number of cultural projects.