Our Stories

We’re proud to welcome three familiar faces into new roles as Taranaki Foundation Ambassadors.

Jenny Hayes-Arnold was a tireless advocate for inclusion in Taranaki. When she passed in 2004, her legacy lived on through the Kindred Trust, which she established shortly before her death. Today, her vision of equality and belonging is honoured through Destination Kāwaroa.

Maree and Brent Schumacher created their Named Fund to give back to the community they love and to help ensure a strong, lasting legacy for Taranaki.

Seven months in, the three medical students participating in the Rural Medical Immersion Programme at Hāwera Hospital have become an integral part of the South Taranaki community, both inside and outside the hospital.

September is Wills Month in New Zealand, which can be used as a time to pause and ask yourself a surprisingly uplifting question: What do I want to be remembered for?

Every organisation needs a backbone. For us, that backbone is our Operational Supporters. They believe in what we’re building together in Taranaki, and they help keep the engine running so we can continue making a difference.

With a strong belief in community and the long-term impact of philanthropy, Connect Legal Taranaki has helped clients think about how their legacy can continue to make a difference well into the future.

After nearly five years of collaboration and community effort, Destination Kāwaroa is now complete.

Youth Boost is now our largest grant programme by volume, with around 50 small grants awarded each year to support rangatahi across Taranaki.

Here at Taranaki Foundation, we are on an ambitious mission to nurture and build the prosperity of our region, and we are looking for two passionate locals to join our busy team.

The 2024-25 financial year has been one of growth, generosity, and meaningful impact. We’re proud to share how, together, we’re making a real difference in Taranaki.

The Shepherd Barrack Fund was set up by donors who care deeply about protecting Taranaki’s environment.

Now in the fourth year of our partnership - Taranaki Foundation proudly acknowledges Shining Peak Brewing for their ongoing commitment as an Operational Supporter.

After facing terminal cancer diagnoses for both her husband and herself, Taranaki teacher Karen Morine chose hope, creating the Daphne Cancer Care Fund through the Taranaki Foundation to support others on similar journeys.

Introducing four new members of the Taranaki Foundation Distribution Committee: Callum Williamson, Jane James, Angela Kerehoma, and Jacq Dwyer.

Taranaki Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Cliff Perrett Memorial Fund Scholarship: Katie Bestall from South Taranaki and Toni Bernet from North Taranaki.

The Dot and Bill Spence Fund has been established through Taranaki Foundation to honour the memory of Bill (Noel) George Spence and his beloved wife, Dot (Dorothy).

Port Taranaki joins a growing group of forward-thinking local organisations helping to ensure a thriving Taranaki for generations to come.

In September 2024, the Noel Yarrow Puke Ariki Trust was transferred to Taranaki Foundation.

Taranaki Foundation is proud to announce that Destination Kāwaroa is now fully funded.

Steve ‘Coach’ McKean wasn't just a larger-than-life figure in Taranaki; he was a force. This past month has been a testament to his enduring legacy, with three community sporting events held in his honour.

Taranaki Foundation is proud to celebrate the establishment of a new fund following a transfer from the George Mason Charitable Trust (GMCT).

For over six years, Nagel, a trusted structural engineering consultancy based in New Plymouth, has been a valued operational partner of Taranaki Foundation.

At our AGM late last year, we formally welcomed three new board members– Floyd Wicksteed, Maree Schumacher and Lindsay Thomson.

On February 5th, a pōwhiri was held to welcome three fifth-year medical students to Hāwera Hospital, where they will spend a full year gaining hands-on experience in rural healthcare. Angeline Hii, Lockey McGrath, and Sophia Zohrab are medical students’ part of the Rural Medical Immersion Programme.

Taranaki Foundation is proud to announce Libby Delehanty as the first-ever recipient of the Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship

After four years in the making, Destination Kāwaroa was officially opened on Wednesday 18 December, offering a world-class, intergenerational play and learning space just in time for Christmas and summer.

Two community groups and the people they support will, at the end of yet another challenging year, enjoy a little extra festive cheer, thanks to the Christmas Giving generosity of Craigs.

Gifts totalling $161,134 were recently granted to 57 local groups. individuals and charities through the Taranaki Foundation annual funding round.

Centre City, Taranaki’s regional shopping mall, located in the heart of the New Plymouth CBD, has partnered with Taranaki Foundation as an operational supporter.

Taranaki Foundation is proud to announce George Stephens as the inaugural John Wood Memorial Scholarship recipient.

On October 29th, an event at the South Taranaki Council Chamber marked the announcement that Hāwera Hospital will host three fifth-year medical students for a full year of rural medical undergraduate training, starting in February next year.

In 2016, Debbie McCallum, a former Foundation Trustee established the Debbie McCallum Fund to give back to the sport that has given her so much.

Starting philanthropic conversations with clients can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make a meaningful impact.

Beverley Prankerd is leaving a lasting legacy through a bequest to the Taranaki Foundation, showcasing her lifelong commitment to community impact and generosity in Taranaki.

Meet Aaron Foley, Principal at Halliwells in Hāwera, who uses his expertise to give back to the community where he grew up.

The Taranaki Foundation and The Tindall Foundation are delighted to announce their continued collaboration to enhance community well-being across Taranaki.

Strategy Collective, a New Plymouth-based design and marketing agency, has partnered with Taranaki Foundation as an operational supporter to help tell the Taranaki Foundation story through strategic marketing and PR support.

In 2024, The John Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with Taranaki Foundation to provide an annual scholarship assistance for a New Plymouth Boys' High School student.

Taranaki Foundation introduces The Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship, in partnership with The Taranaki Daily News.

Standing room only at the 2024 Taranaki Foundation Emergence Art Awards.

Powerful transformation happens when our community gives together.

The Taranaki Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Mark Bowden for his dedicated service on the Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Distribution Committee since 2020.

Taranaki Youth Boost is set to double in size with a new look, new name and the level of annual boosts doubling from additional investment and support.

Extreme weather events are happening more often, both here in New Zealand and around the world. They remind us how vulnerable we are and the need to proactively prepare now for when the worst happens. 

Janine Evans, about to celebrate her 65th birthday, is marking this milestone with more than cake and balloons – she’s creating a personal legacy for the community through Taranaki Foundation. 

Congratulations to Rebecca Smythe and Hayley Gavin - the most recent Ohangai Centennial Teaching Scholarship recipients.

Construction contract awarded to Clelands Construction for Destination Play at Kāwaroa

Powerful transformation happens when our community gives together.

Special blessing ceremony and ground-breaking at Kāwaroa Park mark the official commencement of the project.