By Josh Hickford, CE, Taranaki Foundation

At Taranaki Foundation, we often talk about the power of local giving and how it strengthens communities and helps build a brighter future for generations to come. But what’s less visible, yet equally important, is the support that happens behind the scenes. That’s where our Operational Supporters come in.

Over the last four years, growing this group of committed, community-minded individuals, families, and businesses has been a real privilege.  These are the people and partners who understand that lasting generosity begins with intent and operational horsepower to turn generosity into lasting impact.

Their support isn’t always front and centre, but it enables us to do what we do best which is to connect people who care with causes that matter. Without them, our mission simply wouldn’t be possible.

A lot has happened over the past four years, including building a very strong and connected group of Operational Supporters. Personally, alongside growing my own family, this has been a real privilege.

Every organisation needs a backbone. For us, that backbone is our Operational Supporters. They believe in what we’re building together in Taranaki, and they help keep the engine running so we can continue making a difference.

It all comes back to why we do what we do, which is to grow generosity and support what matters to our community. Over the past year, that’s meant distributing nearly $350,000 across 165 grants to local organisations, students, and community initiatives. This is the impact. This is the giving. This is why we’re here.

We are incredibly grateful to the many local businesses and community-minded individuals and families who have stepped up year after year to stand behind our kaupapa. From long-time partners like Nagel, Craigs and Graphix to more recent supporters like Methanex, Port Taranaki and Centre City, their commitment speaks volumes.

“We are proud to support Taranaki Foundation and the important role the Foundation plays in helping build a better future for our region. Our support reflects our ongoing commitment to community wellbeing, growth and development.”– Ross Dingle, Port Taranaki

Our team with Ross Dingle from Port Taranaki.

Support looks different across the board. From generous cash donations to invaluable in-kind contributions. Strategy Collective supports us with branding and marketing. CyberGrape provides cybersecurity and tech support. Tandem Group helps with accounting and payroll. These services may be behind the scenes, but they are essential to our success.

And it’s not just organisations. Some of the most meaningful support has come from individuals and families who choose to invest in the Foundation in a way that is both personal and powerful. People like Phil and Robyn Hinton, Marilyn Davies, Bryce and Delwyn Barnett, Zair Parkes and others. Their quiet generosity is deeply appreciated and never taken for granted.

Phil and Robyn Hinton, family supporters of the foundation, are front and centre in this photo taken at the opening of Stage 1 at Destination Kāwaroa.

“I support the Foundation because I believe in the value of local leadership, local stories and local solutions. I feel compelled to support a vibrant community.” – Marilyn Davies, Operational Supporter.

Together, this community of support allows us to dream bigger, reach further, and serve more effectively. Whether it’s underwriting operational costs, sharing professional expertise or amplifying our message, every contribution strengthens the Foundation. It ensures Taranaki’s generosity is never held back by limitations on capacity or resource.

“It’s about backing people who are backing the community. That’s what being an Operational Supporter is really about.” – Jesse Sigurdsson, Shining Peak.

As we look ahead, I remain both excited and energised by what we can achieve together. To our current Operational Supporters, I thank you for believing in us. And to those considering joining this growing movement, there’s always room at the table for people who care deeply about this place and its people.

Because when the right support is in place, local giving becomes limitless.

With gratitude, Josh

 

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Below are some of the Operational Supporters in Taranaki we’re proud to work alongside.