PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2026

Exposure to the World of Work gives Belle a seat at the table

Belle Jackson has known for years that she wanted a career in journalism — not simply to report what happens, but to tell stories that can make a difference.

In Year 12, Belle received the SJ Charitable Trust scholarship through First Foundation while attending Mairehau High School in Ōtautahi Christchurch. She is now in her second year at Te Kura Pāpaho o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Broadcasting School at Ara Institute of Canterbury, pursuing a path that feels right for her.

Belle with member of the First Foundation team at Auckland Foundation's dinner

“When my degree started, I knew this was where I belonged. Partly because I had worked to get there, and partly because it simply felt right.”

Exposure to work is a pillar

First Foundation’s programme recognises that not everyone has the same access to networks that can kick-start their careers, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This means that, beyond the financial support and dedicated mentoring, scholars like Belle are given the opportunity to gain relevant exposure to the world of work over the course of their four year scholarship.

Scholars without corporate partners springboard to career success through a series of site visits, experiential learning, targeted workshops and more. They are introduced to influential social and professional networks typically unavailable to students from lower-decile schools. An invitation from Auckland Foundation presented an ideal opportunity for Belle to experience the professional world.

A real assignment
in a real room

The dinner centred on the theme of The Ripple Effect, exploring how one act of generosity can ripple through communities and create change for generations. Belle put her journalism skills to work from the get-go, first filming a day in the life. She then spent the evening interviewing and connecting with donors, advisors and community leaders. Belle’s night included the opportunity for her very first interview with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

“The opportunity to come to the Auckland Foundation dinner and to write this piece came at the right time of reflection for me,” Belle says.

In this video and reflection below, Belle takes over the reporting — sharing what she saw, who she met and how the experience changed some of her assumptions about philanthropy.

A space to see the ripple effect in real time

By Belle Jackson, First Foundation scholarship recipient

I was offered a seat at First Foundation’s table for the Auckland Foundation dinner to represent scholars and capture interview content for the team. My first thoughts were ‘it’s so hot in here’, but the adrenaline took over. Once I got stuck in conversation, I never thought about it again.

We were sitting in Cordis’s Great Room, which was great architecturally and made even greater by the conversations that filled the room throughout the night. I hadn’t stepped into any spaces as corporate and fancy as this, but that initial impression faded once the presentations began.

The theme throughout the night was strong, ‘The Ripple Effect’, which is exactly what has happened and what can continue to happen when charities like First Foundation partner with Auckland Foundation. Throughout the night, I learnt about the people in the room and what can happen when this mix of people comes together. “Every gift starts with a ripple. Together, we build the wave” was presented on the screen.

The meaning that motivated people

The night featured two panels of three different guests who were a range of philanthropic leaders, financial and legal advisors, long-time donors or charity leaders. Kōrero and kai filled the moments in between these panels and were something that I made the most of.

As a natural observer, I noticed many intentions in the room, like networking, donation opportunities and simply sharing kai. The First Foundation team shared with me the significance of the evening. It was an opportunity for them to showcase their mahi and hopefully get more people interested financially.

However, people don’t support scholars or provide funds to charities like First Foundation for acknowledgement; they do it because they care and want to support rangatahi. Beyond that, they may want to contribute to a better education system for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds in the future.

Perspectives from leaders

To my surprise, the Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown, was also in the room. I was shocked and nervous, but I had to get myself ready. There was no question of whether to speak to him; I knew it would be a lost opportunity if I didn’t. So off I walked. He welcomed me, and we had a conversation and interview about First Foundation. After this, I spoke with the founding partner of TGT Legal, Pravir Tesiram, and the Chief Executive at Auckland Foundation, Melody Mobsby. These perspectives were something I had never been privy to as a scholar, and were very valuable to hear.

Auckland Foundation and First Foundation have had a long-standing partnership and have supported 53 First Foundation scholars. When speaking with Melody, it was clear that they want to continue nurturing this partnership as First Foundation aims to support more rangatahi year on year.

Dispelling myths about making a difference

“As a journalist, you can represent what matters to people. You learn, reflect, and see the world from perspectives beyond your own. You get to learn … and hear what life looks like for many people. It is truly a privilege.”

Before this event, I thought donors were just rich people. Perhaps you did too. Someone at the event said she had been saving $100 a month with her friends to give to a charity at the end of the year. Not all donors are extremely wealthy, and a little money, compounded over time, can have a huge impact. I came to the conclusion that donors generally have had a steady career or some sort of success. We can definitely break the myth that donors are only rich people.

Many people at the event were considering beginning their donor journey with First Foundation. One of them, Leslie Li, a financial advisor at Craigs, was interested in hearing about First Foundation’s impact on a scholar like me. Coincidentally, he was heading to Christchurch when I would be there too, so we organised a time to meet. We had an encouraging discussion about my journey with First Foundation.

These are the moments, conversations and environments we don’t see as scholars, and I will be forever grateful I got to see more ripples begin in real time.