J R McKenzie Trust

J R McKenzie Trust is one of the oldest and most respected philanthropic institutions in New Zealand. Established in 1940 by Sir John McKenzie, the Trust has a long legacy in giving that has evolved over the years to prioritize Māori long-term wellbeing and sustainable development. In 2003, the Trust board engaged in a strategic review of its philanthropic practices and noted that only 2-3% of its funding went to Māori, and the under-representation of Māori in the Trust’s philanthropic activities. In a proactive move, the Trust establishedTe Kāwai Toro, a proactive subcommittee of the Board, whose leadership and guidance helped increase board representation of Māori and prioritized long-term development in the Trust’s grant making.