PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2024
The feel-good factor of supporting First Foundation makes business sense
Knowing you’ve played a role in transforming someone’s life is a very special feeling. First Foundation scholarship partners tell us this is one of the reasons their teams feel so passionate and engaged with our programme. Supporting scholarships allows everyone in an organisation to be part of a positive impact on young people, families, communities, and industries. Doing good not only makes sense for business; it brings its own rewards.
- $Bring your team together by doing good
- $Partner with expertise to address inequity head-on
- $Create lasting change for communities and your company
- $Help increase diversity in New Zealand’s talent pool
- $Future proof your talent pipeline
- $Strengthen social licence by investing in your communities and regions
- $Show customers that you live your values
Fletcher Building’s former Inclusion & Diversity Programme Business Partner, Rochelle Grant, says their team members get a lot out of working with First Foundation scholars.
“The benefits to our staff are huge. They like that they’re helping to make a difference. Staff see scholars are eager to get all they can out of their work experience, and so they want to help them.”
Bring your team together by doing good
Because First Foundation’s scholarship is a four-year programme, partner organisations and their people see the whole transformation journey up close. Amanda Gilchrist, First Foundation’s partnership manager, explains, “When our scholarship partners first interview potential scholars, they are blown away by their maturity and resilience. However, seeing the impact of the scholarship unfolding in their lives is both moving and inspiring.”
“We feel like we’re on the journey with each of the scholars we support.”
Carole Norris of OCS explains their partnership has been embraced by staff around the country.
“When you’ve got a large and geographically dispersed staff base, it’s hard to impact everyone. In the beginning, we found it tricky to communicate the partnership between OCS and First Foundation. That all changed when Daniel Mea’ole-Naea spoke at our conference.
“We’ve had speakers with huge profiles at our conferences over the years, including elite athletes and former Prime Ministers. However, it was our First Foundation Scholar, Daniel, who provided the most impactful presentation we’ve ever had while firmly cementing the importance of our partnership with First Foundation. It made such an impact.
“He came into our OCS whanau as a shy young man and, only a year later, stood before us in his suit and shared his story. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
Gareth Marriott, Managing Director of OCS Australia & New Zealand with Etimoni Taufa and whānau at the First Foundation Awards in 2024. OCS have supported 11 scholarships since 2013.
Each year the demand for First Foundation’s support grows
Last year, we turned away 7 out of 8 deserving applicants, but your organisation can help change that. Partner with First Foundation and invest in the future of New Zealand’s youth. Contact Amanda, our Partnerships Manager to learn more.
Integricity has been First Foundation’s technology partner since 2016, offering pro-bono support. CEO Jek Tan talks about how good it feels to support an organisation such as First Foundation.
“Our team understands that an organisation like ours needs to make a profit to survive, but they are inspired to be part of something bigger than profit.”
JEK TAN, CEO INTEGRICITY
“While our key focus is on the First Foundation community, Rueben and I feel that the partnership improves morale and togetherness within our own team.
“They can see their contributions continuously yield positive results, and they can stand proud to play a part in supporting a wonderful organisation like First Foundation.”
Nicola Cooper is the Learning and Capability Manager – Leadership and Organisational Development at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. She says the programme has immense value to both the scholars coming to intern at the company, and also to people and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Growth and development is a mutual benefit.
One team member explained, “It was my first time mentoring someone, so this experience definitely facilitated a lot of learning. I am not a manager here at F&P but it allowed me to experience being responsible for someone else, making sure they were well supported. It’s been a great experience!”
Other staff at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare who had a chance to get involved with the First Foundation programme agreed.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to mentor a scholar through this internship. I have learned heaps and I love that I have been able to support a young woman as she embarks on her own future study and career. It has been an extremely fulfilling experience and I hope she has come away with just as much.”
Partner with expertise to address inequity head-on
We recognise that New Zealand can’t create a high-performing economy while our children’s future is determined more by their postcode than their potential.
As First Foundation scholarship partners, businesses across the country are addressing educational inequity head-on while fostering the talent their own industries need.
At the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Foundation, Neerali Parbhu, the Inaugural Foundation Lead, values the First Foundation ethos of hand up not hand out.
“This is more than just a scholarship; it recognises the needs of our future rangatahi leaders.”
OCS New Zealand saw an opportunity to strengthen its ESG (Environmental, sustainability, and governance) contribution by supporting First Foundation. Facilitating social mobility is a priority for OCS. Carole Norris, Marketing and Communications Manager, says the fit is perfect.
“When we first spoke to First Foundation, we immediately loved the idea of their three-pillar approach to scholarships, with a proven methodology and success; it was just what we were looking for.
“First Foundation’s programme allows us to give back without the complexity of having to resource it ourselves.”
CAROLE NORRIS, OCS MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Tyree NZ, part of the Tyree Group, produces a range of electrical products. The CEO of Tyree NZ, Mark Whorwood, says their company sees First Foundation as a sure bet to truly make a difference.
“We were looking for a provider supporting disadvantaged young people. And we very much like what they do at First Foundation. You see the results coming out the other side; they develop talented people.
“The transformation in these young people as they transition from high school to university is very impressive. The mentoring and support deliver quality.”
Mark says the programme’s wraparound support is successful and empowering from the start. And, even after a few years of being a First Foundation partner, he’s still struck by the outcomes of the programme.
“We were surprised by the number of scholars given an opportunity through First Foundation and by the degree of success they achieve. First Foundation’s results are outstanding – they’re changing lives for both scholars and their families.
Mark Whorewood (right) of Tyree NZ Ltd and 2022 Tyree scholar Monalisi Topu. Tyree have supported 6 scholars since 2020.
Create lasting change for communities and your company
Large organisation Datacom sees equal value in making an impact through First Foundation. Datacom is one of Australasia’s leading locally-owned technology businesses, employing more than 6,500 people. Technology Services Managing Director – Justin Gray says joining forces with First Foundation made perfect sense for creating real and lasting change.
“We were really impressed by First Foundation’s proven track record, and we want to be part of creating really meaningful opportunities that will have a lasting impact on these young people and their communities,“ says Justin. “Offering four years of holistic support, the First Foundation model is not just a one-off – this is a programme creating real, lasting change in people’s lives.”
Since becoming a partner in 2021, Datacom has supported 9 bright young scholars from all around the country. Amanda Gilchrist says the alumni it employs have made the partnership’s impact even more visible.
“Seeing alumni like Jamal and Timoti go on to find success at Datacom makes us so proud. We can clearly see the ripple effect of their scholarship as they disrupt intergenerational cycles of disadvantage not only amongst themselves but in their families and communities.”
Help increase diversity in New Zealand’s talent pool
Amanda Gilchrist says high-performing companies agree that for New Zealand’s economy to thrive, we need to attract the brightest young minds to our organisations—we simply can’t afford for their socio-economic status to hinder them.
“It’s essential to tap the full potential of our culturally rich and diverse population. Many of the organisations that approach First Foundation are thinking about their long-term talent needs.
“First Foundation scholars can bring exceptional quality to your talent pooling. You’ve got driven, ambitious professionals who not only understand your company culture but bring unique perspectives. Our scholars are from diverse backgrounds, so they think differently.”
66% of New Zealand and Australian organisations see addressing the imagination deficit as critically or very important
DELOITTE 2024 HUMAN CAPITAL TRENDS
Leading research also tells us that beyond social and moral responsibility, the key driver in fostering a diverse culture is the competitive advantage gained.
Leigh Gibbard, CEO of Cyclone Computer Company, says the whole country will benefit from nurturing diverse talent, and they’re pleased to play their part by sponsoring First Foundation scholarships.
“We’re creating a workplace rich in diversity, inclusive of all thinking styles and which actively reflects our core values. We can achieve the best critical and creative thinking by respecting differences and encouraging self-expression.”
Claire Carroll, head of HR at Fletchers, also sees the value of investing in the diversity that First Foundation nurtures.
“The effort we invest now in this generation’s education will play a crucial role in shaping the leaders, government, and society of the future.”
Future proof your talent pipeline
Hans Grootegoed and his wife Jenny have grown their family business, CadPro Systems, to become the leading supplier of professional computer-aided design technology. Hans feels it’s important that smaller businesses also play their part in corporate social responsibility – ‘CSR’ to their community and industry.
“CadPro is a successful business, and I want to share the spoils – we just want to help someone get into the broader industry,” says Hans.
“Jenn and I wanted to give something back by supporting someone less advantaged into university. We particularly wanted to support someone doing STEM – science, technology, engineering or maths. We see a huge shortage of technical people in the manufacturing industries.”
HANS GROETEGOOD, CADPRO SYSTEMS
At New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Julia Hibbert is the Director, Strategy & Programme Management. She explains the forward-looking value that the programme brings.
“Through our partnership with First Foundation, we are continuously learning that the outcomes and benefits are interconnected and mutually reinforcing for everyone involved. It’s truly a win-win, and it has been an incredible journey so far.
“By supporting rangatahi and welcoming them into our organisation each summer, we get fresh eyes and new perspectives to help us solve problems.”
JULIA HIBBERT, NZTE
“We learn about the future workforce and modern ways of working, we connect leadership development opportunities for our people; and we have gratefully been the recipients of some truly incredible pieces of work that are 100% aligned with our strategy to grow companies.
“We reflect that the scholars often teach us more than we teach them, and we look forward to the exchange of knowledge and experiences each summer.”
Neerali Parbhu, says the scholarships are a way for the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Foundation to deliver on their commitment to helping those underrepresented in STEM careers.
“The programme is really helping address the inequity in New Zealand’s STEM pipeline that exists and has existed for a very long time. Too many students are without the financial means, support systems or exposure to STEM career pathways to see and help them reach their true potential.”
NEERALI PARBHU, F&P HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
Show customers that you live your values
For many of First Foundation’s scholarship supporters, the partnership brings company values to life for brands and their customers.
Jek from Integricity says, “It’s great for our clients to know that as we grow, so too does our support for the Foundation. The future for us looks promising. For us, continued growth means more support for Kirk and the team. We will evolve as technology evolves, and so will our support. We’d love to get to the point where our team members become mentors.“
Rhonda Koroheke, HR Lead Partner for Diversity & Inclusion at Spark, says the partnership with First Foundation brings Spark’s values to life. As an organisation and as individuals, the Spark team is passionate about helping talented rangatahi. This is especially important when they may otherwise face barriers to reaching their potential.
Leigh Gibbard explains that the New Zealand education sector has been a key driver for Cyclone’s success: “Thanks to the First Foundation partnership, we are able to repay that support.”
“We prioritised where our support could have the biggest impact. By supporting young people who are the first in their families to go to university, we’re targeting and breaking the intergenerational cycle of educational disadvantage.”
Each year the demand for First Foundation’s support grows.
Last year, we turned away 7 out of 8 deserving applicants, but your organisation can help change that. Partner with First Foundation and invest in the future of New Zealand’s youth. Contact Amanda, our Partnerships Manager to learn more.
Hear more from these forward-thinking organisations:
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Foundation sign new commitment
Scholarships build foundations for the future at Datacom
Integricity and First Foundation grow together
