Mazda logo on a green background created by small individual images of Mazda Foundation recipients
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY

WELCOME TO THE MAZDA FOUNDATION

Supporting the NZ community since 2005

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.

Portrait of students from a school that was a recipient of a Mazda Foundation grant

About the Mazda Foundation

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.

Mazda Foundation Board portrait - David Hodge
Chairman

David Hodge

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.

Mazda Foundation Board portrait - Andrew Clearwater
Trustee

Andrew Clearwater

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.

Mazda Foundation Board portrait - John Boyd
Trustee

John Boyd

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.

Mazda Foundation Board portrait - Clare O'Higgins
Trustee

Clare O’Higgins

Clare joined Look Good Feel Better NZ in July 2013 as General Manager after a number of years in corporate business in senior management positions. Since joining Look Good Feel Better 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.

Mazda Foundation Board portrait - Boh Runga
Trustee

Boh Runga

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.

Mazda Foundation Board portrait - Andrew McKendry
Trustee

Andrew Mckendry

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.

Members of a scout group in front of a tent; the group was a Mazda Foundation grant recipient

Aims and objectives

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:

  • Assistance towards the maintenance and improvement of the natural environment
  • Assistance in the advancement of culture and education to achieve excellence at all levels in the community
  • Assistance to young people through advancement of education and employment skills development, with particular emphasis on children from deprived backgrounds
  • Assistance in the arts where the goal is to educate and expose the NZ public on NZ culture33


Applying for funding
Children at a child care centre that was a Mazda Foundation grant recipient

Mazda Foundation Guidelines

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 maintenance and improvement of the natural environment
  • The advancement of culture and education to achieve excellence at all levels in the community
  • Advancement of education and employment skills development, with particular emphasis on children from deprived backgrounds
  • The arts where the goal is to educate and expose the NZ public on NZ culture

 

The Mazda Foundation does not support:


  • Political organizations
  • Religious organizations
  • Fundraising dinners or events
  • Salaries, wages or fees
  • Capital building projects
  • Debt reduction requests
  • Requests from foreign countries
  • Property rental or lease payments
  • Office or administration expenses


Applying for funding
Four kids from a scout group - a Mazda Foundation grant recipient - jumping on a beach in front of a canoe

Applying for funding

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 is open and all applications need to be received by the new, extended closing date of 31st October 2025.

If you have any other questions or queries please email us at [email protected]

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Primary students and their teachers sitting on a rocky outcrop - their school was a Mazda Foundation grant recipient

Grant recipients

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.

Contact us

If you have any questions or queries please contact us via email:  [email protected].

Physical Address

The Secretary Mazda Foundation 7 Westfield Place Mt Wellington AUCKLAND 1060

Postal Address

The Secretary Mazda Foundation PO Box 132057 Sylvia Park AUCKLAND 1644

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