25 July 2012
Mazda Foundation provides assistance to Kiwis across the country
The Mazda Foundation has donated over $57,000 to 14 individuals and groups from around New Zealand, as part of the
Foundation’s second round of funding for 2012.
Each year, the Mazda Foundation holds three funding rounds and selects deserving New Zealanders, community groups and
charities that are in need of assistance.
This round, a combination of individuals and groups with a variety of different causes was granted funding, including
Toru Fetū Kindergarten and Save the Otago Peninsula (STOP) environmental group.
Toru Fetū Kindergarten applied for funding to provide free, healthy cooked lunches for the children enrolled at the
kindergarten.
The not-for-profit organisation received a $1,049 grant to purchase a freezer for food storage purposes, which will
enable the school to provide free cooked meals to the children every day of the week.
Toru Fetū Kindergarten is an early childhood education provider to over 80 children up to the age of five. It has three
classrooms that cater for the Cook Island, Tuvaluan and Niuean languages. The teachers hope that the cooked meals will
enhance the children’s education, culture and mental development by feeding their brains with healthy, hearty meals.
The Toru Fetū Kindergarten was the first Pasifika Centre in the greater Wellington region to receive a Healthy Heart
Rito Bronze Award. A programme awarded to early childhood services that promote healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle
to children and their families.
The environmental group, Save the Otago Peninsula received a grant of $1,375 to provide plants to enhance the habitat of
the Jewelled gecko which is currently in decline, and encourage population growth.
Over the last few years the population of Jewelled geckos, a species native to the South Island of New Zealand, is known
to have declined by around 200 geckos. The need to enhance their natural environment and encourage food sources to
flourish is urgent to help increase their numbers.
The decline of the Jewelled gecko population is due to a combination of impacts on their environment. Predation by
rodents, poaching for the animal black market and isolation of suitable remnants containing food plants have all
contributed to the Jewelled gecko being listed as in decline. To combat these threats, predator-proof fencing was
erected in 1993, but environmental enhancement is still necessary.
The money donated by the Mazda Foundation will be used by volunteers from Save the Otago Peninsula group to plant
Kanuka, Corokia and Coprosma plants both within a reserve and to join isolated remnants. Kanuka in particular provides a
good habitat for geckos as it shades over grass and reduces mice numbers.
Andrew Clearwater, Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, says the Foundation is delighted to be able to help such a wide
variety of projects and causes throughout New Zealand.
“We are always astounded and humbled by the many projects that New Zealanders are involved in. Education and
conservation groups were strongly represented in this latest funding round, which shows they are both areas that New
Zealanders feel passionate about.
“Whether it’s helping Toru Fetū Kindergarten provide free, healthy school meals or helping Save the Otago Peninsula to
increase the numbers of an at risk species, The Foundation is thankful to be in a position to help such deserving groups
and individuals,” says Clearwater.
Other grants this round include funding to purchase tricycles to provide exercise for disabled students, a set of
ukuleles for Waikouaiti School, and a hydrotherapy ozone spa to help relieve the symptoms of Angelman syndrome for a
young boy.
The Mazda Foundation has now distributed over $1,265,000 to more than 325 recipients since its establishment in late
2005.
The closing date for the next round of Mazda Foundation applications is 30 September 2012. For more information or to
download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz
Mazda Foundation Recipients – Round 2
NameOrganisationDescription of applicationCityAmount $Lala FrazerSave The Otago PeninsulaFunding to purchase plants and planting materials to improve the natural habitat of the Jewelled geko on the Otago
peninsula.Dunedin1,735.00Jane HorraxToru Fetū KindergartenFunding to buy a freezer to support the free, healthy school meals initiative.Porirua1,049.99Gemma BradburnBradburn FamilyFunding to purchase a hydrotherapy ozone spa which will help to relieve some of the symptoms of Angelman Syndrome.One Tree Point7,995.00Elwyn Andree-WiltensMaungatautari Ecological Island TrustFunding to provide the guide clothing for the trust’s new visitor experience, aimed to educate people on the Kakapo
Recovery Programme,Cambridge5,213.87Trudy PankhurstWaikouaiti SchoolFunding to purchase a class set of ukuleles for tuition purposes and student engagement.Waikouaiti750.00Susie NyikaHamilton North Special SchoolFunding to purchase two tricycles which will allow the students to have their daily exercise.Hamilton7,281.80Ursula ThynneMagnetFunding to purchase a new computer and design software for deaf and hearing impaired youth, which will allow students to
utilise their skills and gain work experience.Auckland4,884.00Craig SharpNorth Street SchoolFunding towards uniforms for the North Street School Kapa Haka group. The uniforms will help the group represent the
school and feel a sense of pride.Fielding2,445.00Susan LottHibiscus Coast Schools Waterwise Society IncFunding to purchase a new beach trolley for the Mazda patrol boat which is used to educate children and adults in water
safety.Auckland798.26Wendy CooperCooper FamilyFunding for an insulin pump for her daughter who suffers from type 1 diabetes.Tauranga7,500.00Gilbert BrakeyFriends of the WhauFunding to purchase light weight spades suitable for children so they can safely help with ecological planting during
the planting season.Auckland3,246.34Paul LarkinsHammersley Park SchoolFunding to allow children affected by the Christchurch earthquake the opportunity to go on a school camp.Christchurch7,200.00Michelle MacneilWhenua Iti OutdoorsFunding to assist with the purchase of native plants, planting and project management.Nelson5,000.00Zella Morrison- BriarsLife Education MangereFunding to replace the two Harold hand puppets used in the life education lessons, which teaches children how to make
their own good decisions.
ENDS