On a mission with Corinne Haines

Christchurch’s City Mission CEO Corinne Haines knows all about giving, spending most of her waking moments helping those less fortunate. She talks to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch about her role, and why.

Retirement didn’t last long for Corinne Haines. After 45 years in finance and management, mostly in the IT sector, Corinne did call it a day in January 2022, just for a moment. In April that year, she accepted the temporary role of CEO, City Missioner for the Christchurch City Mission, the position becoming permanent in 2023.

Improving the lives of Christchurch’s most vulnerable people is her mission, and her privilege. It’s not a role that Christchurch-born Corinne ever thought she could do. She happily filled in for six weeks, yet when that became six months and ongoing, “I then suggested that I was happy in the role and was prepared to make a longer-term commitment,” she laughs.

The first woman to be Christchurch City Missioner in its 95-year history, Corinne believes she was “the person in the right place at the right time”. Many roles in her life have been because someone saw her skills, thought they could be useful, and she wanted to prove their faith in her was not unfounded. Well past retirement age when she left Trimble, where she was the Asia Pacific Managing Director/Finance, Corinne had planned to use her considerable skills by giving back as a volunteer to other organisations.

Helping others has always been important to this dedicated Christian, for as long as she can remember, even at primary and secondary school. When asked if she saw herself as a philanthropist, Corinne says she automatically thought about people, like Bill Gates, who have billions of dollars and support charities. “On reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that philanthropy is not only about those with millions to share; it is about anyone who seeks to look after the welfare of others, to improve the wellbeing of those around them, through the donation of not only money, but also time, skills, resources, and effort.

“It is about the desire to make a positive impact on the community driven by a sense of personal commitment to helping others. Philanthropy is not limited to those with much money, but to people like myself. I have a big commitment to the community and those around me by using money, time, talents and resources for the benefit of others, so yes in that way, I could be considered a philanthropist.”

Her history of giving is lengthy. She’s been treasurer and secretary for not-for-profit organisations and the church. She’s mentored others in treasurer roles, lectured people in business and financial skills, was on four school PTAs, ran second-hand clothing shops, helped at school fundraising activities and school and church fairs.” Her list goes on: teaching Sunday School from around age 15, church committees, and hundreds of weekends spent on sports fields, at rugby matches, and the 1974 Commonwealth Games as a St John Ambulance volunteer [with late husband Carey Haines].

“My mother was very involved in school activities, so she was a great role model for me, setting the scene for helping and giving back,” Corinne explains. Working at the Mission means Corinne is continually giving. One of her special joys is hearing from clients whose lives have improved thanks to their relationship with the Mission. “Those who have been in our Transitional Housing programme and at the end of their stay have been able move into permanent housing. Those who been through our Alcohol and Other Drug services, especially our Detox Unit, and are free from addiction after attending our services, some after many years of addiction.

“The joy on the faces of the children, and their parents, when they come to our Christmas Grotto and the knowledge that these families will be able to enjoy the pleasure of giving and receiving presents on Christmas Day. “The knowledge that in the week before Christmas we will give out 1800 food parcels so families can have a very special meal on Christmas Day, and also there will be enough food for that family to have great meals for several days over the holiday period.

“One of our employees told me small miracles happen at the Mission every day, and that gives me joy in knowing that there will be 365 small miracles every year. These little miracles help me to feel joy in what we do.”

Christmas has always been a family time. “Right from when I was very little, with our grandparents coming to our place to have our special present opening time, and the same when my children were little to carry on that tradition with my parents and my children.”

Corinne loves the tradition of lighting an advent candle each week to focus on love, joy, peace and hope. She is expecially fond of the service of Advent Lessons and Carols, and Nine Lessons and Carols, foretelling of the birth of Jesus through readings and carol singing. “As a family we have always been together for Christmas lunch, with parents, cousins and grandparents, and my godfather who had no family of his own, and came until age 101. Today, I share Christmas with my daughter, son, sister, and her family. It is a very special time to gather as a family and catch up and experience the joy on the faces of the children as they enjoy the family time and their presents.”