Karon Storr
Strategic Funding & Development Lead
As well as being an accomplished visual artist, Karon brings more than a decade of fundraising and sector leadership to CSM. From driving strategic funding at the Champion Centre to steering the ship as General Manager for the Christchurch Aunties, Karon has long been a champion for community impact. Most recently, as Philanthropy and Development Manager, and a Trustee for Frontiers of Hope, she successfully orchestrated the massive 2024 NZ Trauma Conference with Dr Bessel van der Kolk.
Having worked in the commercial sector as well as with non-profits, Karon brings a rich combination of entrepreneurial knowledge and experience, including winning awards for networking and relationship management, together with a proven capacity for raising significant funds for organisations like CSM.
Karon has strong connections to music. She and her partner Gwyn Hughes originally met over 40 years ago during his days as a lead guitarist and singer, before happily reconnecting 12 years ago. Together, they share a proud, creative blended family—including Karon’s talented daughter, Grace Verweij who is a powerhouse in the Auckland music scene as a DJ, experimental musician, and festival organiser.
For Karon, whether she is synchronising a major fundraising campaign or cheering on her family’s creative milestones, life is all about finding the perfect harmony and connecting the dots.