For Immediate Release

Wednesday 24 June, 2015

Tindall Foundation Celebrates 20th Anniversary by Honouring Five Inspirational Organisations

Community and environmental organisations from across the country were honoured for their outstanding contribution to New Zealand at an event at Government House in Auckland this evening. They were presented with special recognition awards by Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, The Governor-General of New Zealand.

The event marks The Tindall Foundation’s 20 years of giving to charitable organisations throughout New Zealand in order to help build a stronger country for generations of Kiwis to come.

The five organisations acknowledged for their outstanding work for the good of the community and environment were: The New Zealand Housing Foundation; Project Lyttelton; Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust; SPACE NZ Trust and Bill Holland – a founder of The Acorn Foundation.

Whether it was helping low income families realise a dream of owning their own home, or encouraging school children to take action to conserve and protect our marine ecosystems, all five organisations were praised for the significant difference they have made to the lives of New Zealanders, and to conserving the beauty and natural habitats of New Zealand.

Since 1995, The Tindall Foundation has donated $135 million to New Zealand charities as well as providing capacity building, social loans and other strategic support. It is not just about giving away money: the Foundation offers time and expertise, connects people, acts as a convener and walks beside organisations, often for a considerable time.

Stephen and Margaret Tindall founded The Tindall Foundation following the float of The Warehouse in 1995. They decided to use a percentage of their shares to establish a philanthropic family foundation. Today, it is the largest of its kind in New Zealand giving away more than $10M annually.

Stephen Tindall said The New Zealand Housing Foundation, Project Lyttelton, Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, the SPACE NZ Trust and Bill Holland all stood out as exceptional organisations and influencers in their area of work.

“Over the past 20 years we have seen so much good work from so many organisations and inspirational individuals. We have helped over 5000 groups with funding, capacity building and guidance and we would like to publicly thank and acknowledge them for their outstanding service to our wider community.”

Continues Margaret Tindall, "Every day we are lucky to see the unwavering generosity and dedication of so many Kiwis. We feel honoured to support their work. We may provide some of the resources that assist them, but it is those people on the ground, making things happen in our communities, who are the heroes in our eyes."

The recognition award recipient organisations received a screen print by New Zealand artist Matt Payne and were presented with a certificate by His Excellency, The Governor-General.

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Additional Notes :

The Tindall Foundation 20th Anniversary celebration event and recognition awards ceremony was hosted by Their Excellencies, the Governor-General of New Zealand Lt-Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae, at Government House, Auckland on Wednesday 24 June 2015.

The recipient organisations were:

New Zealand Housing Foundation

Award received by Brian Donnelly, CEO

Recognised for outstanding leadership in the social housing sector, using innovative practices and leadership in the affordable housing field

The New Zealand Housing Foundation has helped around 300 low income families in to brand new, healthy, high quality affordable homes at the same time creating safe and connected communities. The outcomes have been a significant improvement in the residents’ quality of life, enhanced participation the community, improved health and a reduction in absenteeism for school aged children.

SPACE NZ Trust

Award received by Leanne Dawson & Sue Pattinson, Founders

Recognised for dedication and commitment to Kiwi families by creating and developing New Zealand’s own parenting programme for first-time parents and their babies

Each year SPACE NZ Trust runs hundreds of successful parenting and child development programmes supporting first-time parents to be confident and connected to their babies. Parents form close relationships with one another through discussing relevant child development and parenting topics. The infants benefit from early childhood experiences, play sessions that support their learning and development and fun with rhymes, music and books.

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

Award received by Samara Nicholas, Trustee

Recognised for extraordinary personal commitment and passion for environmental education and protection of marine and freshwater habitats

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust uses its dynamic marine and freshwater conservation education programmes to inspire schools and communities to take action for their local environment, protecting marine reserves and safeguarding ecosystems for the future.

Project Lyttelton

Award received by Margaret Jefferies, Chair

For commitment to Lyttelton, developing grass roots projects which have led to a strong and sustainable community with heart. Providing locals with services that would not otherwise be available to them and responding to community need following the Canterbury earthquakes.

Project Lyttelton runs a farmers’ market, seasonal festivals, a community garden and children’s kitchen garden, projects that support harbour resilience and meet energy needs through innovative community-based solutions.

Bill Holland, a Founder of Acorn Foundation and current chair of Community Foundations of NZ

Award received by Bill Holland

Recognised for his huge personal commitment and passion for driving the community foundation movement in the Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand.

Bill Holland has worked tirelessly to support the emergence of Community Foundations in New Zealand. He was a founder of The Acorn Foundation in Tauranga which has served as a shining example to others that Community Foundations can be successful in their own communities. Currently, Acorn has over $12M invested, $100M in promised funds and will be distributing over $500,000 this year to a wide range of community groups.

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