Building on 30 years of generosity and commitment to thriving communities, we’re looking ahead to what’s next. Here we share a glimpse of the emerging work, fresh approaches, and our ongoing journey to make a difference - together.
The Tindall Foundation is refining its focus and giving strategy to better serve community needs and work towards clearly defined outcomes.
This progress has been informed by listening and learning, while staying true to our mission: supporting wellbeing for whānau, community, and the environment across Aotearoa – now and for generations to come.
With the guidance of our team, trustees, founders, and Tindall whānau, we will launch our refined focus in 2026 with a clear vision: Intergenerational Wellbeing for Aotearoa. Our commitment remains to creating conditions where people and planet thrive together.
We look forward to sharing more about our priorities and pathways in the year ahead.
Here we share glimpses of mahi in its early stages – initiatives we’re helping to grow that lay the foundation for long-term, intergenerational impact. While these projects are just beginning, the development, groundwork and commitment behind them has been significant, so ngā mihi to all those who have lead this important work. These efforts reflect our hopes for what can be achieved in the coming years.
In partnership with the Simplicity Foundation and BNZ Foundation, TTF is supporting Trees That Count to develop a nature-based credit for Aotearoa New Zealand. This innovative credit will combine carbon offsetting with an additional biodiversity benefit, creating a unique offering for the Voluntary Carbon Market. That positions this work at the forefront of climate and biodiversity solutions. Interest from both local and international companies signals strong demand for this type of credit, which until now has not been available in New Zealand. The initiative also contributes to Pure Advantage’s Recloaking Papatūānuku project and is one of six projects being monitored by the Ministry for the Environment as part of policy development on the government's role in supporting nature-based markets. Government policy recommendations on that are expected by March 2026.
We have committed to help strengthen mental wellbeing during the critical early years - pregnancy through the first two years of life - by creating Te Hokinga Mai: a community-led, equity-driven collective of community organisations, people, and professionals that support māmā, birthing parents and whānau during pregnancy and the early years. The approach will amplify lived experience, prioritise Māori and Pacific worldviews, influence system change, and reduce fragmentation in the sector through shared data, coordinated advocacy, and practical solutions that support the organisations that walk alongside whānau. TTF appointed Paulien Fa'atafa to lead this work, drawing on her extensive expertise in health promotion and early years support.
TTF is actively contributing to national conversations on maternal mental wellbeing. We are working alongside community leaders to ensure community and lived experience perspectives inform future strategies and policy. Our goal is to strengthen early years support and advocate for systemic investment in community-led solutions that improve wellbeing and reduce isolation to improve outcomes for māmā, pēpi, and whānau.
TTF is contributing to a major iwi-led initiative to restore Lake Ōmāpere, a significant taonga and critical water source in Te Tai Tokerau. The project - led by the Lake Ōmāpere Trust and also supported by the government - aims to clean up the lake, improve water quality and strengthen water supply infrastructure resilience. The work includes exploring opportunities for fertiliser production from dredged sediment alongside water off-take to support horticulture development in the Kaikohe region. The project will deliver nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, riparian planting, and sediment remediation, unlocking employment opportunities for Māori-led social and economic development and revitalising cultural identity. This is a long-term kaupapa that represents a unique opportunity for mātauranga Māori, science, and commerce to work together for ecological and community wellbeing.
New in 2026
In the new financial year, we’ll launch our redesigned website – created to make finding information easier and faster for our communities. The new site will offer clear guidance on donation and application steps, showcase the impact of funded mahi, and share stories that reflect our values and founding vision. In celebration of 30 years, the site will feature an interactive timeline to help tell the story of The Tindall Foundation so far.
New in 2026
We will also introduce Fluxx, our new donations management system. Fluxx will make the application process smoother and more efficient for applicants, enhance our internal workflows, and help us use data in meaningful ways to share impact and improve storytelling.
This year, our kaimahi and Next Gen Tindall whānau member Kate brought forward an opportunity for the Foundation to champion a nation-building kaupapa – Te Matakupenga – reflecting our intergenerational commitment to a more connected and cohesive Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Matakupenga is a movement designed to strengthen Māori leadership and capacity for the benefit of all in Aotearoa. It connects kaupapa Māori groups like mycelium does in a forest ecosystem “Mycelium is an underground network of fine, thread-like structures that connects ecosystems” creating a network of shared learning, collaboration, and collective impact.
At its heart, Te Matakupenga nurtures the people, relationships, and conditions that allow kaupapa Māori to endure – strengthening leadership across generations, deepening collective capability, and embedding Te Ao Māori ways of knowing and being into shared practice. This initiative addresses sector-wide challenges such as siloed efforts, resource limitations, and the need for cohesive planning.
The Tindall Foundation is supporting Te Matakupenga’s small but growing team of full-time, and part time kaimahi, supported by a wider network of volunteers who contribute to different workstreams in this start-up phase.
We’re excited to launch Kaimahi Kōrero – a new storytelling series that creates space for our people to share stories, in their own words and from their lived experiences. Whether it’s a moment of pride, a challenge, a reflection, or a kaupapa close to the heart, Kaimahi Kōrero will be the voices of those who help shape The Tindall Foundation – our staff, trustees, partners and friends.
Kicking off this series, Liz reflects on connecting with other family foundations and new relationships within philanthropy in Australia, while John shares his experience participating in this year’s Big Sleep Out with Lifewise NZ.
Kaimahi Kōrero - Liz Tindall Tetro
Read about Liz's experience at the Philanthropy Australia Summit 2025 and creating new connections with family foundations.
Kaimahi Kōrero - John McCarthy
Read about John’s experience at this year’s Big Sleep Out, the Lifewise event raising awareness and funds to tackle homelessness in NZ.
As we wrap up our 2025 Year in Review, we would like to acknowledge our incredible trustees and staff team whose dedication, passion, creativity, and commitment to serving communities in Aotearoa make all of this possible. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Our Trustees
Jennifer Casey, Margaret Tindall, Robbie Tindall, Rukumoana Schaafhausen, Stephen Tindall
Our Management Staff
Amelia Taite, Ashlee McCormick, Cyril Howard, Jennifer Reid, John McCarthy, Kate Tindall Lum, Libby Wichman, Liz Tindall Tetro, Martina O’Driscoll, Sharlene Atai
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