Vision
We envision a Waikato where all children and young people are secure, resilient, and thriving, empowered to reach their full potential.
As a trusted partner and ally, we work to inspire and equip generations of changemakers, support movement builders, and advocate for Māori-led approaches to achieving social equity. Embracing our role as champions of bold, transformative change, we are committed to creating a sustainable and just society.
Our mission includes championing a climate-resilient future for the Waikato, fostering intergenerational wellbeing, and promoting environmental stewardship through systemic influence, advocacy, and collaboration.
We are dedicated to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, honouring Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), and recognising the inseparable connection between land, people, and tangata whenua.
Values
Our values guide our work, how we engage with hāpori and hold ourselves accountable to serving our communities with humility and understanding.
Acknowledging Our Privilege and Embracing Humility
We recognise the privilege inherent in our position and the responsibility that comes with it. We are committed to serving our community with humility, understanding that we do not have all the answers. We acknowledge that we are a product of colonisation and are dedicated to addressing its impacts while working collaboratively to uplift and empower those we serve. This value guides our approach, ensuring that our work is rooted in respect, listening, and a willingness to learn.
Honouring Our Shared History and Fostering a Future of Possibilities
We continue to honour the enduring values of Len and Ada Reynolds, rooted in generosity, education, and commitment to rural communities. At the same time, we foster a future of possibilities by embracing innovative ideas and solutions to shape a future that is filled with potential and positive outcomes in our communities and beyond.
Valuing Tikanga, Manaakitanga, and Inclusivity
Valuing Tikanga, Manaakitanga, and Inclusivity is a central value for the Len Reynolds Trust, reflecting a deep commitment to the principles and practices that are essential to Māori culture and to the wider community in Aotearoa New Zealand. This value encompasses these key elements:
Promoting Bi-cultural Awareness and Understanding
Supporting Māori Communities and Initiatives
Understanding and Respecting Tikanga
Embracing Manaakitanga
Encouraging the Use of Te Reo Māori
Dare to be Different
We believe in challenging the norms of our sector with courage and creativity. This means we don’t just walk the beaten path; we forge new ones. We are committed to trying new approaches that may seem unconventional but hold the potential for transformative impact. Our dedication to being brave in our decisionmaking, daring in our strategies, and different in our thinking, drives us to explore uncharted territories in philanthropy.
It's about being fearless in our pursuit of positive change, constantly seeking ways to do things not just differently, but more effectively and impactfully.
Strategic Priorities
Our strategic priorities guide our funding focus to ensure that the Trust invests in and supports people and communities that are pivotal in driving environmental and social equity movements.
Support Māori-Led Solutions and Intergenerational Wellbeing
Support initiatives led by Māori communities and those that address intergenerational wellbeing, ensuring that solutions are sustainable and culturally appropriate.
Foster the Interconnectedness of Land and People
Support initiatives that honour the sacred connection to Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), emphasising the kaitiaki/stewardship role of tangata whenua. Support people and communities who value the intrinsic connection between environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Fuel Changemakers and Movement Builders for Environmental and Social Equity
Invest in and support people and communities that are pivotal in driving environmental and social equity movements. Nurture current and future changemakers, providing them with the necessary resources, leadership development, and capacity-building opportunities to effectively catalyse and sustain impactful community actions and awareness.
Champion Disruptive Change
Take a stand on critical issues, especially where injustice or inequity is involved. Use the Trust's influence to support disruptive changes that advance environmental and social justice.
Promote Social Cohesion
Support initiatives that foster social harmony and inclusivity, prioritising projects that effectively challenge all forms of discrimination, hate speech, and extremist ideologies. Support those who create safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, education, and collaborative community action. Encourage projects that not only bridge social, cultural, and economic divides but also actively confront and mitigate the impacts of extremism, ensuring the dignity and rights of every individual in community life.