Around Our Maunga | South Taranaki Generosity in Action

Community is at the heart of everything we do at Taranaki Foundation and around our Maunga, donor intent becomes lasting local impact.

In 2025, our Annual Funding Round allocated $263,433 to 71 organisations and individuals across the region, made possible by our generous donors. Of this, nearly $140,000 went directly to projects, initiatives, scholarship recipients and community groups creating meaningful impact in South Taranaki.

“We feel very fortunate to have lived in South Taranaki. It’s a beautiful place with a special lifestyle, but it doesn’t stay that way without people participating. We’ve always believed in backing the community that’s been home to us, and in making sure what we have built here continues to benefit this place long after we are gone,” shared Jennifer Horner, donor.

Supporting Community and Wellbeing
One example is the Hāwera Rotary Fund, which transferred to Taranaki Foundation in 2024 to ensure its generosity would continue serving the community for generations to come. In its first funding round under the Foundation, the Fund distributed 12 grants totalling $69,000. Recipients included Hāwera Budget Advisory Service, Ōpunakē Community Baths, the Rural Medical Immersion Programme, and Hāwera Foodbank.

The Rural Medical Immersion Programme received $12,000. Now in its second year at Hāwera Hospital, the programme enables three fifth-year medical students to complete a year-long placement in a rural hospital setting, strengthening healthcare pathways in communities that need them most.

“We feel supported, included and inspired,” says 2025 student Lockey McGrath. “This is not just a placement. It is a life experience we will carry into our future careers.”

Hāwera Foodbank received $5,000 to help cover essential operating costs.

“The donation was very welcome as operating costs continue to increase each year,” the team at the foodbank shared. “More whānau are reaching out for support, and the cost of keeping services running continues to climb.”

     

The 2025  Rural Medical Immersion Programme students (left) and Hazel Robinson and Glenn Rogers (from South Taranaki Funeral Services) at the Hāwera Foodbank. Both received funding in 2025 from the Hāwera Rotary Fund.

Generosity is also reaching whānau in other ways.

Horses Helping Humans Taranaki provides equine-assisted learning to vulnerable rangatahi aged 8 to 18, building emotional regulation, confidence and communication skills. In 2025, 118 young people participated in the programme. “Funding towards our annual hay bill, one of our largest operational costs, means we can offer funded places to those who need it most,” says Laura Menzies from Horses Helping Humans.

Te Ara Pae, which provides counselling, advocacy and support for people affected by family harm, sexual harm, trauma and youth wellbeing challenges, also received funding.
“In the last year we have had over 1,000 individuals come through our doors,” says CEO Diane Pentz. “We are seeing increasing demand as more people find the courage to reach out. Funding like this ensures we can continue to provide professional care when it is needed most.”

After unexpectedly losing their long-standing base, Coastguard South Taranaki found themselves without a permanent home for their rescue vessel and operations. With land generously donated by the community and support from the Hāwera Rotary Fund, plans are now underway for a fit-for-purpose facility.
“Alongside housing our rescue vessel and truck, the new training facilities will give our team the ability to train at the highest level and continue saving lives at sea,” says President Gary Darnell.

    

Photos from left to right: Horses Helping Humans Hōiho Hāpai Hapori Taranaki and Coastguard South Taranaki,   the view of our Maunga from South Taranaki.

Securing a South Taranaki Farming Legacy
One of the most significant milestones for South Taranaki last year was the formal partnership between the Bashford-Nicholls Trust and Taranaki Foundation, with $14 million in trust assets transferring to the Foundation for ongoing local investment and management.

For more than 60 years, the Bashford-Nicholls Trust has supported agricultural education and innovation, stewarding the legacies of South Taranaki farmers Claude William Nicholls and James Dawson Bashford. The Trust will continue distributing approximately $300,000 annually in scholarships and research awards to support students and agricultural advancement, administered through Bishop’s Action Foundation. With the assets now invested and managed locally by Taranaki Foundation this farming legacy remains firmly rooted in the region.

Pictured: Simon Cayley (CEO, Bishop Action Foundation), Craig Hattle (Trustee, Bashford & Nicholls Trust), Josh Hickford (CE, Taranaki Foundation), Dan Radcliffe (Trustee, Taranaki Foundation).

Generosity Around Our Maunga
Nearly $140,000 invested directly into South Taranaki in the past year, alongside a significant farming legacy secured for the future, tells a powerful story. Community funds such as the Hāwera Rotary Fund continue to give back. Farming families are anchoring their legacies locally. Donors are choosing to invest in their place.

“This is what generosity around our Maunga looks like,” says Theresa Cayley, Funding & Relationships Manager at Taranaki Foundation. “It’s practical, it’s local, and it’s changing lives, now and for generations to come.”

 

For the full list of 2025 grant recipients, including those in South Taranaki, please see our 2025 Grant Recipients