Latest news

Latest in generosity news on topics of interest across New Zealand, in the media and from our regular and guest bloggers

  • Purposely Podcast recently interviewed our CE, Eleanor Cater, about the increasingly crucial role of community foundations in communities: local energy tackling local issues - listen here.
  • News article in The Post about Kiwis intentionally shaping their legacies - read the article here.
  • Article in LawNews 'How lawyers and their clients can help the charitable sector' - read the article here
  • Member story of the month! Read this story about the resettlement of the historic $14.5m Bashford-Nicholls Trust into the care of Taranaki Foundation - read the article here.

It’s easy to give and get (your tax) back

02 Feb 2026

All around the world, tax rebates - or sometimes government funding that matches your donations - are used to encourage people to donate more to charities and causes. It’s a powerful way to inspire generosity and shows that private donations are truly valued in helping to build strong, vibrant communities.

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The overhead myth: are we strangling the charities we love?

29 Jan 2026

Community foundations work with hundreds of Kiwis who want to create positive change in their communities. We love the passion with which local people care about the work of community-led change, and in many cases the long-term commitment to enabling that change. However, there is a statement that we hear all too often: "I'm happy to pay for the work of the charity, but not the salary and overhead costs" ....

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Giving Tuesday – beyond the spend fest

02 Dec 2025

Giving Tuesday is today, December 2nd, and over the years it has become a global movement, expanding to over 80 countries. While New Zealand is a long way from the USA we also find ourselves with many of the pressures to spend, spend, spend in the lead up to the festive season...

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Energy for community-led change - welcome Kura Tāwhiti

28 Nov 2025

This week I was really honoured to join the team in Christchurch for their relaunch as Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation (previously known as The Christchurch Foundation). There is deep significance in the name and also in the intent of this foundation...

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Annual Impact Report 2024/25

06 Nov 2025

This past year has been one of remarkable growth, deepening connections and transformative impact across our communities...

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A Legacy Lesson

31 Oct 2025

Kate Syme’s life’s work has been as a teacher and educator, and she believes strongly in the opportunities education can provide. We recently met Chloe Robinson, a recipient of Kate's generosity in her second year of study to hear about the impact Kate's fund is having on her tertiary education journey.

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