Joint forces fund climate collaboration

Two of New Zealand’s philanthropic organisations have joined forces to fund the creation of a foundation to stimulate practical solutions to the challenges of climate change.

The Hikurangi Foundation was established on 1 February 2008 with a commitment of $500,000 from each of the Tindall and Todd Foundations over the next two years.

The initial tasks for the foundation include recruiting an executive director and establishing a strategic framework for selecting initiatives.

The inaugural chair of the Hikurangi Foundation is Tom Lambie, Chancellor of Lincoln University and former National President of Federated Farmers, who also runs an organic dairy farm in South Canterbury. Other trustees include forestry executive George Asher, Tindall Foundation trustee Jenny Casey, communications strategist Matthew Jansen, economist Suzi Kerr and business journalist Rod Oram.