It is our pleasure to welcome three familiar faces into new roles as Taranaki Foundation Ambassadors. Ken Horner, Selwyn Metcalfe and Mark Bowden. Each has played an important part in our journey over the past decade as Trustees, leaders and advocates and we’re delighted they will continue supporting the Foundation and our community through these roles.  

At Taranaki Foundation, Ambassadors are more than supporters, they’re an extension of our team. They share our mission and values and through their everyday connections they help grow a culture of giving that strengthens our region. Trusted and respected community members, they champion giving in everyday life, sharing knowledge, spotting opportunities, and connecting people to amplify the Foundation’s impact. 

As Phil Hinton, Chair of Taranaki Foundation explains, “Our Ambassadors are the heart of our community connections. Their values align closely with the Foundation, strengthening our work and showing how even modest contributions can create lasting change.” “Together, they help support us in building a stronger, more vibrant Taranaki for generations to come.”

Right to left: Ken, Mark and Selwyn

Ken Horner 

Ken, our Patron and a founding Trustee, has been part of Taranaki Foundation’s story from the very beginning. His vision was to develop long-term, strategic giving that sustains the many organisations doing great work across Taranaki. 

“When I was approached to become the inaugural Patron for the Taranaki Foundation, of course I said yes straight away. The expertise of the Community Foundation facilitates strategic charitable giving; it encourages the care and welfare of our Taranaki community and enriches it financially. Ultimately, this is a community asset that we can all feel proud of and have a sense of ownership in.” 

For Ken, being an Ambassador is about keeping the conversation going, championing philanthropy in everyday life and stepping in where his wisdom, influence and networks can help. 

Selwyn Metcalfe 

Selwyn, a long-time community leader and former Trustee, first became involved with the Foundation when, as he recalls with a laugh, “Bryce Barnett twisted my arm to support Destination Kāwaroa as a donor”.  

“I’m already involved in so much in the wider Taranaki community, but for me, my motivation is people; seeing them grow, seeing their achievements. I’m all for building better, more vibrant communities.” 

As an Ambassador, Selwyn is proud to support the Foundation utilising his relationships and experience to drive local philanthropy, helping Taranaki Foundation reach areas that might otherwise be overlooked. He values the Foundation’s proud local focus and its authentic, not-for-profit model that enables everyone to be a philanthropist and make a lasting difference. 

“As life goes on, communities expand. If all parts are stronger, then we are all stronger. Together we achieve more.” 

Mark Bowden 

Mark, a former Trustee and Chair of our Distribution Committee, brings a deeply personal perspective grounded in planning for the future – both for individuals and for the community.  

“The fact that many of my peers still believe they are forever young. We were the rock ‘n’ rollers, the hippies. I talk to some of them, and there’s no way they’re going into a retirement village. In ten years, things will be very different. Making those transition decisions early is important, rather than leaving it for the kids to deal with.” 

As an Ambassador, Mark sees the Foundation as a tool to shape a stronger community. He believes in the power of collective giving “Communities that gift together, stay together.” He also loves the Foundation’s model of long-term, sustainable funding “money that grows forever, stays in the community, and helps grow a stronger Taranaki for the future.” 

 

Together, Ken, Selwyn, and Mark embody what it means to be Taranaki Foundation Ambassadors, trusted champions of giving who inspire connection, possibility, and impact.  

Here’s to shaping a stronger, more vibrant Taranaki for generations to come.