The Mazda Foundation has gifted more than $82,000 back to New Zealand communities in its final funding for the year, with a strong focus on conservation groups.

The final round supported 24 organisations and individuals, including a not-for-profit sailing initiative and Auckland Hospital’s new scholarship programme, which took the funding for all of 2022 to over $225,000. 

The Foundation is funded through a contribution from the sale of every new Mazda in New Zealand. Every year three funding rounds help Kiwis in need with nearly $4.5 million being gifted back to the community since its inception in 2005. 

Sailability Wellington Trust Incorporated received $2425.35 for a set of new VHF radios to ensure they can maintain safety with their disabled sailing programmes. 

New Zealand Conservation Trust who work hard at protecting and caring for our unique taonga received $3911.30 for a new kiwi egg incubator. The Trust had been limited to the number of eggs it could care for, but the new unit is capable of incubating 12 eggs at a time. 

Environment Network Manawatu received $5158 for 60 new NAWAC traps for feral cats and possums. The organisation is focused on mitigating predator pests in the Manawatu region for its Southern Ruahine Kiwi Habitat Restoration Project. 

Auckland Hospital Foundation received $5000 to go towards its Rise Scholarship Programme. This will help develop ambitious men and women into highly skilled professionals who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to achieve careers in healthcare - by supporting aspiring nurses and midwives to learn without financial or emotional pressure. 

David Hodge, Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, says it is amazing to see the Foundation continue to make a difference in Kiwi’s lives. 

“I’m proud of what the foundation has achieved and it’s incredible to look back over the year at the people and organisations we have helped. In total, the foundation has gifted over $225,000 this year.” 

The Mazda Foundation has three closing dates for funding rounds every year: 31 March, 30 June and 30 September.  Applications for funding can be submitted here for any of these rounds by sending a submission before the due date.