Creating transformational change for our communities.
Our mission is to build healthy, thriving and resilient communities across Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui the Greater Wellington region. Read about our impact and the wonderful mahi happening in our communities below.
Promoting social change through the arts .
Founded 20 years ago by Artistic Director Nina Nawalowalo ONZM and Executive Producer Tom McCrory, The Conch Charitable Trust has created a platform for the telling of Pacific stories across the globe, presenting theatrical works at over 40 international festivals. In 2022, Nikau Foundation supported The Conch’s beautifully poignant production of A Boy Called Piano.
Providing inclusive opportunities for fun and exploration.
Founded in 2004, the Autism Intervention Trust has a mission to enable success for every child by supporting families with an autistic child in practical and positive ways. The Autism Intervention Trust sought funding to cover operational expenses to run their weekly gym classes, providing inclusive opportunities for fun and exploration.
Strengthening the story of a Wellington institution.
Now in its 95th year, Wellington Free Ambulance is one of our region’s most well-known for-purpose organisations. With a goal to strengthen their storytelling, Wellington Free Ambulance undertook a GoodMeasure Report with local organisation, ImpactLab. Nikau Foundation was delighted to support.
Inclusive opportunities to engage in the arts.
Wellington-based theatre group, Silver Noodle Soup was established to provide performance and professional development opportunities for people who are neurodiverse or who are experiencing disability of some kind.
Transformational funding for a Wellington institution.
Almost 50 years since being established by Peter Button OBE QGM, Life Flight has completed over 40,000 missions nationwide, helping the community access the urgent medical care they need when there are minutes to spare. Nikau Foundation was delighted to help Life Flight purchase a new trailer, enabling safer and more efficient take-offs from their Lyall Bay HQ.
A safe and welcoming place for our city's most vulnerable.
Painted in vivid orange and surrounded by the hum of friendly chatter, Orange Sky’s eye-catching vans provide a hub for practical support and connection for people doing it tough.
Inspiring the next generation of climate activists.
In response to global environmental threats, education organisation Mountains to Sea Wellington (MTSW) is taking things local to address human impacts on oceans and waterways. Through the implementation of four freshwater and marine education programmes, MTSW aim to inspire a sense of kaitiakitanga amonst the next generation.
A place to encounter the people and stories of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pukenga Whakaata is not only a space to encounter impressive works of art but a place to encounter the people and stories of our nation, past and present. With the help of Nikau Foundation funding, the New Zealand Portrait Gallery secured their lease at Shed 11.
Inspiring a lifelong love of science.
The brainchild of former Tauranga Girls High School Head of Science, House of Science was established to build scientific literacy in primary school students and empower teachers to deliver engaging science programmes.