In a world that often mistakes busyness for generosity, Tanya McMurtrie has quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly shown up for her community for more than two decades. Not for recognition. Not for reward. But because she genuinely believes that one person,the right person, at the right time, can change another person’s life. 

She has seen it happen. Again and again. 

A COMMITMENT THAT STARTED 20 YEARS AGO 

Tanya McMurtrie is an Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners in Nelson. She is sharp, thoughtful, and deeply connected to Te Tauihu. And for 20 years, she has been a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson-Tasman. 

Twenty years. That is not a fleeting act of kindness. That is a calling. 

In that time, Tanya has walked alongside young people through some of the most formative years of their lives, offering steadiness, encouragement, and the kind of genuine human connection that no programme can manufacture. 

“I want every child to have the chance to thrive,” she says. “My legacy gift and regular donating lets me support programmes that open doors for young people.” 

GIVING THAT COMES BACK TO HER 

What sets Tanya apart isn’t just what she gives, it’s that she gets to see where it goes. 

Through her connection to the Top of the South Community Foundation and the community groups it supports, Tanya witnesses the real-world impact of her generosity. She doesn’t just give and wonder. She sees the organisation’s strengthened, the young people supported, the community she loves growing more resilient because of what people like her choose to do. 

That is what Living Giving looks like. Generosity that is alive, present, and deeply personal. 

“I love the saying: one person cannot change a community, but you can change a community one person at a time,” she says. “Payroll Giving ties into this for me.” 

GIVING IN THREE LAYERS 

Tanya’s approach to generosity is considered and layered — much like her professional thinking. She doesn’t give in one way. She gives in three. 

Personal Payroll Giving. Tanya donates regularly to the Top of the South Community Foundation directly from her pay through Payroll Giving, an initiative started by the Community Foundation. Payroll Giving provides a way for everyday people to donate a little, often, directly from their regular pay cheque without any administration to worry about. It’s a simple and effective way to make giving easy. For Tanya, it is the most natural expression of her values in a small, consistent, and meaningful way. 

“While I can't single-handedly solve every challenge we face as a society,” she says, “I can impact people’s lives by making a small contribution myself. I can contribute monthly and donate to the charities I support on an annual basis, so my donation has more meaning to my chosen charity.” 

Workplace Giving through Craigs Investment Partners. Through Craigs Workplace Giving programme, employee contributions are matched dollar for dollar by the company. Tanya is actively involved in deciding where those funds go and Top of the South Community Foundation is part of distributing these funds to charities in need at Christmas time.  It is a model that shows what is possible when businesses and individuals commit to giving together, and when the people closest to a community get a say in how it is supported. 

A legacy gift in her Will. Looking further into the future, Tanya has included a legacy donation in her Will, ensuring her commitment to the young people of Te Tauihu continues long after she is gone. Her generosity, quite literally, will outlast her. 

WHAT IF EVERYONE GAVE JUST A LITTLE? 

 “Small, regular contributions can add up to a meaningful impact, and it’s encouraging to see members of our community choosing to give in thoughtful and consistent ways when they can.” says Tanya. 

As communities continue to navigate ongoing economic challenges, initiatives like Payroll Giving provide an opportunity for those who are able to support local causes in a way that is manageable and meaningful to them. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps strengthen the wellbeing of our region and the people who call it home. We are incredibly grateful to have Tanya in our community. She is, in every sense, a true community hero. 

Like Tanya, there are many ways you can support the Top of the South Community Foundation. Find the one that works for you.