Mazda strongly believes that as a significant company in New Zealand it has a responsibility to give something back to the country through developing equitable and broad community involvement.
The Foundation is funded through a contribution from the sale of every new Mazda in New Zealand, support from Mazda Dealers and via special fund raising activities as well as seed capital from Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan.
Since 1972, Mazda has been offering New Zealanders vehicles that are a little out of the ordinary. During that time, as well as meeting the nation’s everyday motoring needs, we have introduced an array of innovative and lifestyle vehicles that today are characterized by technological innovation and superb quality.
Mazda through this time has also participated in the community beyond the traditional role of an automotive organization, fostering a spirit of community involvement. It is from this that the concept of the Mazda Foundation has emerged.
The Mazda Foundation Trust was established in 2005 as a public charitable trust to provide assistance to a broad cross–section of worthy charitable entities, causes and individuals throughout New Zealand that qualify for income tax deductibility.
As the Trust has been established for charitable purposes, the Mazda Foundation qualifies for a charitable status tax exemption pursuant to Sections CB 4(1)(c), CB 4(1)(e) and CI(m) of the Income Tax Act 1994.
David has been with Mazda NZ since 1998, and was appointed Managing Director of the company in April 2017. David is passionate about his new role as Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, and is looking forward to working with his fellow trustees to help give back to the community.
Andrew spent 25 years at Mazda NZ, ten of those as Managing Director and Chairman of the Mazda Foundation. Being the driving force behind the establishment of the Mazda Foundation in 2005, it holds a special place in Andrew’s heart. He is thrilled to remain a trustee and continue the work to support groups and individuals across New Zealand.
John is Managing Director of Boyd Public Relations and has worked closely with Mazda since 2002. He was proud to be asked to become a Mazda Foundation trustee in 2018. John has seen first-hand the difference that the Mazda Foundation makes through the TREEmendous initiative and is looking forward to working with his fellow trustees to continue the great work the Foundation does in the wider community.
Clare joined LGFBNZ July 2013 as General Manager after a number of years in corporate business in senior management positions. Since joining LGFBNZ the programme has continued to increase its reach to over 40 community centres throughout New Zealand. Clare is passionate about the charity and the individuals that make every class possible. Volunteers are the beating heart of the organisation on a daily basis. Clare loves the opportunity to visit the classes but as she says – is still not allowed to draw those eyebrows!! It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be a trustee at the Mazda Foundation and support communities and organisations throughout the country.
Boh Runga grew up in Christchurch but moved to Auckland in the late 1990s to form pop-rock band stellar*, which went on to become one of New Zealand’s most successful bands. Boh then turned her attention toward jewellery designing, and today Boh Runga Jewellery has established itself as a go-to brand for beautiful, meaningful gifts. Boh first joined the Mazda Foundation team as a brand ambassador in 2015 and is excited to continue the Foundation’s meaningful work through her new role as a Trustee – she is particularly passionate about initiatives that support the environment and children.
Andrew Mckendry is the Dealer Principal/Director of Mckendry Mazda in Blenheim. Born in Nelson but raised and educated in Blenheim, Andrew spent 10 years living and learning in Wellington before returning to Blenheim to take over the Family business – which has been part of the Blenheim business community for over 40 years. He is proud to represent the Mazda Dealer network as a Trustee for the Mazda Foundation.
The Mazda Foundation Trust aims include (but are not limited to) the provision of financial aid to individuals and causes which may qualify for income tax deductibility for gifts and which provide:
Organisations or individuals seeking support through the Mazda Foundation should carefully review the Trust’s grant making guidelines to determine if their request conforms to the overall aims and objectives of the Foundation’s mission before submitting an application. Preference will be given for support to individuals, programmes and projects that fit within the Foundations overriding guidelines. While it does not generally fund other Trusts or not for profit entities all applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
The Mazda Foundation will consider awarding grants to programmes promoting:
The Mazda Foundation does not support:
Grant Applications
If you’re an organisation or individual seeking support through the Mazda Foundation, you should carefully review our Grant Guidelines to determine if your request meets our overall aims and objectives before submitting an application.
There are two closing dates for funding rounds every year; 31st March and 30th September. The next round of funding applications opens in August 2025 and all applications need to be received by the closure date of 30th September 2025.
If you have any other questions or queries please email us at mazdafoundation@mazda.co.nz
It’s the healthy heartbeat of local communities that keeps this country strong. And at the heart of Mazda is a desire to give back to the community. That’s why we established the Mazda Foundation.
The Mazda Foundation acts upon the firm belief that we can only pave the way for a brighter tomorrow by laying the groundwork today. Three rounds of funding are carried out each year to individuals and organisations for environmental, educational, employment and skills development, cultural and community projects.
If you have any questions or queries please contact us via email: mazdafoundation@mazda.co.nz.
The Secretary Mazda Foundation 7 Westfield Place Mt Wellington AUCKLAND 1060
The Secretary Mazda Foundation PO Box 132057 Sylvia Park AUCKLAND 1644
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