Ten years on, Taranaki Foundation has much to celebrate and even more to look forward to. What began as a bold local idea has grown into a lasting movement of generosity, connection and impact across our region.

Chief Executive Josh Hickford says the Foundation’s first decade is only the beginning.

“Our goal is to grow our endowment funds to $150 million by 2035, enabling us to distribute over $3 million annually back into our community. Every contribution, every donor fund, every act of generosity moves us closer to that vision. The work we all do today will bear fruit for those who are here tomorrow. That’s exciting, and that’s worth striving for.”

This milestone marks ten years of turning local generosity into grassroots community impact. From its early days as Te Karaka Foundation to the rebrand as Taranaki Foundation in 2021, the Foundation has grown into a trusted local organisation, here for the long-haul.

It’s a moment to celebrate what can happen when generous locals come together with a shared vision, making Taranaki an even better place for generations to come. For a decade, the Foundation has connected people who care with causes that matter, enabling everyday generosity to create extraordinary impact across our region.

Where it all began

Taranaki Foundation was born in 2015 from the bold vision of Founding Trustees Ken Horner and Paul Goldsmith, inspired by the growing number of community foundations across Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. With crucial seed funding from The Tindall Foundation and Toi Foundation (and initial Foundation Trustees and Supporters) this early support helped establish governance and management functions, launch the Foundation’s first Funds and began supporting community projects that reflected local community needs. This early foundational activity enabled initiatives across education, health and community wellbeing, setting the stage for long-term, sustainable giving in Taranaki.

Reflecting on those early days, Ken Horner (Founding Chair), says:

“When we started, we wanted to build something that would last, an organisation that would grow from the generosity of today and give back forever. To see that idea come to life, and the impact it’s now having across our community, is incredibly humbling. The Foundation has truly become part of the fabric of Taranaki.”

A decade of growth and impact

From those beginnings, Taranaki Foundation has grown from a bold idea into one of 18 community foundations across Aotearoa New Zealand, a trusted and proven model for lasting local giving.

Over the past decade, the Foundation’s funds under management have grown to more than $13 million, with a further $27.5 million promised in Wills. This generosity has enabled $1.5 million in grants distributed back into the Taranaki community, supporting projects and people working to strengthen our region.

From grassroots environmental projects and youth programmes to local charities tackling housing insecurity, mental health and everything in between, these grants are helping to create a Taranaki where everyone can thrive.

As Michelle Ramage from Roderique Hope Trust reflects:
“Funding from Taranaki Foundation has helped us support whānau in our community who are struggling with homelessness and housing insecurity. It’s given us the ability to respond where the need is greatest, and that’s been life-changing for many.”

Carla MacKinnon, from Marfell Community Trust, adds:
“Without the support from Taranaki Foundation, our Garden to Table programme wouldn’t even exist. Teaching kids how to grow and cook food gives them skills for life and it’s amazing to see the Foundation investing in that kind of lasting impact.”

And from Christina Lorth, Building Wellness Taranaki:
“We’re building a future where all people in Taranaki feel included, supported and connected, and the Foundation’s backing is helping us make that vision real.”

Leadership through the years

Following the leadership of founding Chairs Ken Horner and Paul Goldsmith, Bryce Barnett became the Chair. Bryce guided the Foundation through a period of growth, including major projects such as Destination Kāwaroa, highlighting what local collaboration and philanthropy can achieve.

Today, under the leadership of Chair Phil Hinton, the Foundation continues to build on that strong foundational base. “What makes Taranaki Foundation special is its ability to unite generosity and purpose,” says Phil. “We’ve seen what can happen when donors, partners, and community come together. This milestone is about celebrating that collective spirit and reaffirming our commitment to a thriving, generous region for generations to come.”

Looking ahead

As Taranaki Foundation celebrates this milestone, one thing is clear; the future is full of possibility. The power of community, the determination, the innovation and passion that drive impact from the grassroots up continues to strengthen every year.

To everyone who has played a part in this journey, our donors, funders, partners, operational supporters, professional advisors, board and committee members, our team, and of course our wider community, thank you.