Our Stories

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.

It's our pleasure to introduce Selwyn Metcalfe and Aaron Foley who have recently joined our team of Trustees.

Two Sporting tournaments will be held next month to honour 'Coach" and raise money for The 'Coach' McKean Fund.

As the Taranaki Foundation Emergence Art Awards 2024 approaches two previous winners share the impact these awards had on their artistic journey.

Zoe Carter and Tayla Steele have been selected as the recipients of the 2023 Rudi Milesi Scholarships.

As we step into the promise of a new year, we reflect with gratitude on the journey that has brought us to the brink of realising a shared dream—Destination Play at Kāwaroa.

The eagerly anticipated Destination Play at Kāwaroa is on the verge of becoming a reality.

Gifts totalling $127,516 were recently granted to 47 local groups. individuals and charities through the Taranaki Foundation annual funding round.

Glen passed away in November 2022 and through a gift in his will, Glen will be enabling scholarships for Taranaki students specifically in the areas of journalism and photography.

A thoughtful bequest, a BIG impact!

For the next chapter of your Trust’s story, Taranaki Foundation is a safe pair of hands.

Taranaki Foundation is excited to report the completion of Stage One's detailed design for Destination Play at Kāwaroa, and the process for funding the main contractor has begun.

We are delighted to present our Annual Impact Report for 2022/ 23.

New Fund enables legacy gifting to Taranaki healthcare.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2023 Coach McKean Small Grants Fund

New Trustees bring experience, passion and new perspectives to the Taranaki Foundation Board

We are proud to announce that Bachelor of Nursing students Olivia Ryder and Billie-Jean James have been selected as the 2023 recipients of the Cliff Perrett Memorial Fund Scholarship.

Taranaki Foundation founding co-chairs and trustees Ken Horner and Paul Goldsmith have spoken of their pride as they step down from their roles after eight years’ service.

Cybergrape, have partnered with the Taranaki Foundation as an operational supporter focused on helping keep us safe online.

Progress is happening at pace behind the scenes to transform Kāwaroa Park into a much-needed community space devoted to providing a fun, exciting, accessible, and family-friendly space for all ages.