Founding trustees speak of their pride as they step down from Taranaki Foundation

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.

Inspired by the work of a worldwide network of community foundations, a vision was born to create a foundation for our Taranaki community. This vision was brought to life by Ken and Paul who established the Foundation in 2015.

It was formally launched to the wider Taranaki community in 2016 to enable people in Taranaki to donate to their favourite causes, or to give to a general fund with the mission to inspire and enable giving for a thriving Taranaki now and for generations to come.

Ken, who has recently retired after 45 years at the helm of Hāwera firm Halliwells was inspired to set up the Foundation when chatting with Paul about a gap in the way people could give back to Taranaki in a sustainable way.

“I have been a lawyer for more than 40 years and my family has been involved in community activities starting with my grandfather Fred Horner, followed by my father Alan Horner,” says Ken. “It was Paul really, who through his architectural work discovered the Community Foundation concept which Taranaki Foundation is based upon.”

“Ultimately, this is a community asset that we can all feel proud of and have a sense of ownership in.”

Paul Goldsmith said the receipt of the first endowment happened in December 2015. “This was an exciting and humbling moment for the Foundation with the Winifred Knight Trust being entrusted to our care,” he said.

“In my time here, the reputation of the Foundation has gone from strength to strength – but it’s a long game.  I’m proud that we’ve built a really robust and professionally managed organisation for Taranaki that others can now pick up the baton and continue to develop it.”

Ken and Paul acknowledged that launching a community foundation required a great deal of time, resources and passion. Not only from those with the idea and vision, but also the wider community stakeholders. They were also lucky to find an amazing executive staff in those early years and extend thanks to Melanie Wilson, Vicki Haylock and Grace Wesolowska whose passion and dedication helped lay the foundation for success.

 

Former Foundation trustees include Ken Horner, Paul Goldsmith, Anne Barron, Bridget Burke, Debbie McCallum, David Marshall, Jude Nagel, Craig Williamson, Ross Fulton, Kelvin Squire, Puna Wano-Bryant and Sandy Smith.

Taranaki Foundation Chair Bryce Barnett says “As an organisation, we have been blessed by having Ken and Paul’s community spirit, wise counsel, and long-standing support. We are incredibly thankful for their hard work, enthusiasm and encouragement which has laid firm foundations from which the foundation can grow to benefit our community. We all wish them both well in the future.”

Taranaki Foundation are also delighted to announce that Ken has been appointed as the inaugural Patron of the Foundation. As Patron, Ken will act as a high-level ambassador, lending his credibility and time to support us.

The position of Patron is an honorary position. It recognises outstanding commitment to the Foundation and support for its ethos and aims.

Ken and Paul’s work on the Foundation was recognised at a Trustee dinner on 10 May 2023.