A significant and life-changing bequest has been left to several Tauranga charities.

In their will, Ken and Nori Deakin left a large sum to organisations which included UNICEF Aotearoa, Tauranga SPCA, Waipuna Hospice and the junior division of Omanu Golf Club.

The couple, who were well known for their long-term commitment to their community in Tauranga, had no children of their own but dedicated a large amount of time to youth in the area, including Nori Deakin’s many years coaching the Omanu Golf Club junior team.

They were both involved with the juniors, who became ‘their children’ over the years.

They were very much loved and respected by the juniors and their parents, says Omanu Golf Club administrative manager Waimakariri Wyatt.

“Nori was a member of the club for more than 30 years and is probably her great heart and her smile that people will always remember.”

Around 120 golf players, some of them from the junior program around 10 years ago, met at Omanu Golf Club on Friday to honour the lovely couple by participating in the Inaugural Deakin Golf Cup 2023.

All the jobs the Deakin’s did at Omanu with the juniors will be remembered by those generations of golfers who found a passion for this sport and who are still playing here and around the world.

“The bequest will ensure that the junior programme will endure for many years to come and will encourage and support current and future junior golfers at Omanu,” says Waimakariri.

The Deakin Cup is just a way to celebrate the couple's life and thank them for their selfless commitment to all the children who were part of the junior program at that time, says Mark Grant.

“Nori was just a great inspiration for a lot of kids here at Omanu, I remember how she was always encouraging us to keep playing, teaching us how to improve our golf skills, I only have good memories of her and this is just one chance to pay back for all what she did.”

The Deakin’s wedding photo.

The generosity of the local couple would have an incredible impact on the lives of children in New Zealand and around the world, says UNICEF Aotearoa CEO Michelle Sharp.

“This bequest, from a wonderful, community-minded couple, will make a huge difference in the lives of so many children.

“By making this gift to UNICEF Aotearoa through their will, the Deakin’s have left an amazing legacy to children that will last well beyond their lifetimes.

“Some of the world’s poorest children will now have access to education, healthcare, and clean water thanks to their incredible generosity.”