For the causes you love, forever.

We have a mission to grow local generosity to support the people and places of our region, forever.

Nīkau Foundation’s story started in 1991 when a group of passionate, community-oriented Wellingtonians came together to discuss the future. They had a vision to grow the funding available for our communities, enable locals to leave powerful charitable legacies for the causes they love and build an asset to support our region for generations to come. Since then, we are proud to have distributed over $11 million in vital funding to charitable organisations, established over 100 funds and are the kaitiaki of over $40.5 million, which is invested and growing to support the people and places of our region, forever.

Read Nikau Foundation's Story

Giving that grows

Over the last few years, our communities have faced many challenges. With needs high and funding scarce, we have an important opportunity to grow generosity, provide future generations with the tools they need to thrive, build the funding available for the causes we love, and address big community challenges.

When you establish a fund with Nīkau, we will invest, grow and protect your donation so that it continues to make a difference for the causes you love, forever. Every year*, we will connect your fund with organisations effecting positive change in line with your fund’s vision.

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How does it work?

Nikau understands that healthy, happy, thriving communities require long-term, sustainable support and resources. That’s why we invest and grow the gifts we receive, however big or small, to create positive change for our region today, tomorrow and long into the future.

Our impact

Every year, Nīkau is proud to support a wide range of organisations doing good mahi to support and uplift the people and places of Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington region. You can read more about the organisations we have recently supported below.

Stories about our impact in the community

Supporting community wellness through intergenerational connection.

Local organisations, Ngahuru Charitable Trust and Kimi Oranga are fostering connection between generations to create better outcomes for taiao (the environment) and for our kaumātua.

Nīkau was delighted to support this important mahi by supporting key programme costs.

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Wrap-around support for our region's most vulnerable.

Homelessness is one of the most visible embodiments of the cost-of-living crisis. Sadly, the number of people affected is on the rise nationally, with organisations reporting far more people accessing their services.

In collaboration with Downtown Community Ministry, the Upper Hutt Housing Trust, Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust | Te Whare Nukunoa and the Paekākāriki Housing Trust, we take a look at the factors contributing to high rates of housing insecurity and the organisations delivering wrap-around support to vulnerable communities locally.

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Future-proofed support for Aotearoa New Zealand’s ageing population.

We’re living longer, staying healthy as we age and continuing to make a meaningful contribution to our communities as we enter our later years. While it’s certainly something to celebrate, it’s putting pressure on already strained services, including our health system, housing, 10 infrastructure and social services.

In collaboration with Te Hopai Trust, Dementia Wellington, Arthritis New Zealand | Mateponapona Aotearoa and Age Concern Wellington, we take a look at the challenges facing our ageing communities, the work charitable organisations are doing to support older generations and prepare for the future, and the role philanthropy can play in strengthening support for the sector.

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For the causes you love, forever.

Nīkau is proud to work alongside individuals, couples, families, charitable trustees and charitable organisations to make a meaningful, sustainable difference in our communities. You can read more about how these generous locals below:

Stories about giving and generosity

Turning lifetimes into legacies

Both Morris Moller and Lisette Wesseling left in an indeliable mark for the things they cared about during their rich lifetimes . As kaitiaki of funds established in their memories, Nikau will make sure their generosity will continued to be felt for generations to come.

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The extraordinary legacy of a modest man

The Elma Coxon Fund – Nīkau Foundation’s first fund – was established in 2007 as a lasting tribute to a deeply loved sister. Today, it continues to make a meaningful impact for our local communities, reflecting the values and quiet generosity of the man behind it, Adam Coxon.

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Reimagining charitable structures for continued impact

In the face of economic headwinds, legislative change and social shifts, many long-standing charitable organisations are taking steps to pivot – and establishing endowment funds to support their new direction. For Ducks Unlimited New Zealand (DUNZ), transferring assets to a Nīkau fund provides a powerful, practical succession plan. For The House of Grace Trust, its fund offers a crucial tool to support the evolution of its service model.

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Connect with us.

We would love the opportunity to speak with you about how we can help you to execute your giving goals for our community.

Contact us