PUBLISHED MARCH 2026
Boldness leads New Zealand women to success
New Zealand women have a long legacy of bold leadership — and the next generation deserves the same chance to step forward. From our leadership in the suffrage movement and to our female prime ministers, the bar is high. Our business leaders are equally impressive, but even the most capable people can face struggle — and success is rarely achieved without support. Now, a collective of nine of Aotearoa’s top leaders, On Being Bold, has identified First Foundation as a powerful ally in helping more young women build bold futures.
On Being Bold unites top leaders
On Being Bold is a collective of nine exceptional business leaders who are passionate about empowering women to be bold in life and leadership, and they have identified First Foundation to amplify their impact. After all, 66% of First Foundation scholars are ambitious young women who are trailblazers as the first in their families and communities to head to university.
The founders of On Being Bold are Dame Therese Walsh, Dame Joan Withers, Dame Paula Rebstock, Cathy Quinn, Alison Gerry, Jolie Hodson, Silvana Schenone, Royal Reed and Frances Valintine. They all have governance experience, cross multiple business disciplines and fields of expertise and contribute to some of New Zealand’s most prominent organisations.
Trenyce Gardiner, trustee award winner with Michael Harper, First Foundation Chairman and Chapman Tripp partner at the 2025 First Foundation Night Of Firsts
Today’s talent shapes the future
Inspiring, encouraging, and supporting young people to be brave and bold, to seek and take opportunities, and deal with challenges, can be life-changing.
As 2020 Chapman Tripp Alumna, and future lawyer, Trenyce Gardiner shares: First Foundation had a significant impact on me, more than just financially; it gave me the reassurance I did not know I needed.
“I have found myself in a supported environment, surrounded by people who genuinely care and want to help, and I’ve gained invaluable exposure to the legal world and made lifelong connections.”
Donations doubled until 31 March
Until 31 March, On Being Bold will match every donation made to First Foundation up to $20,000. That means every gift has twice the impact: a $10 donation becomes $20; a $500 donation becomes $1,000. It’s about creating even more opportunities for ambitious young Kiwis to realise their potential. With your help, today’s daughters and sisters are dedicated to becoming tomorrow’s leaders and role models.
Back bold leaders of tomorrow
By giving today, you can open doors for the next generation of bold young leaders. Thanks to On Being Bold, your gift will have double the impact, helping young people like Trenyce reach their dreams.
