62 | COMMUNITY Toi Foundation: Clelands T T Kim Newth New home for Toi Foundation Supporting their local communities to build a thriving, inclusive and equitable Taranaki is Toi Foundation’s core purpose. Based in Taranaki, Toi Foundation is a major force for good in the region providing philanthropic support to an array of innovative and impactful community projects that are making a positive difference for people and the environment. Last year marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the Foundation as it moved into its own newly refurbished building in New Plymouth, now fast evolving as a vibrant community hub. Supporting their local communities to build a thriving, inclusive and equitable Taranaki is Toi Foundation’s core purpose. The values-led organisation, which owns 100% of TSB and holds a controlling share in Fisher Funds Management Ltd, has granted over $250m since it began 38 years ago. “The Foundation provides support in traditional philanthropic ways, while also looking to the future with a focus on strategic and innovative granting to achieve even greater longterm, intergenerational and transformational benefits for our community,” explains Maria Ramsay, Toi Foundation’s Chief Executive. With a rise in staff numbers over recent years (from 17 currently and tracking to reach 20 by the end of this year), the Foundation had outgrown its previous rented premises and no longer had capacity to provide free meeting room space for use by not-for-profit or for-purpose groups and organisations. This paved the way to the decision by Toi Foundation to buy a building at 121 Gill Street, New Plymouth. “As an organisation that continually grows and one that is there for perpetuity, it was timely to look at both our needs and the community needs and this resulted in owning a property. “We knew there was a strong demand for accessible meeting spaces; we had looked at several models and the key decision for moving was to have flexible meeting spaces for organisations to use.” Last June, Toi Foundation moved into its spacious new home, Toitū House. Within the first three months of opening the meeting rooms to the community in July 2025, the space was used over 203 times by 178 different groups and organisations — clearly demonstrating the depth of community need. “This move is more than a change of address; it’s a step towards deeper connection, collaboration and accessibility for the communities we serve. “The new space has been intentionally designed to support Toi Foundation’s evolving role, with a vision to create a community hub, a place where community groups, not-forprofits and Kaupapa-driven organisations can come together, share ideas and build capability.” Taranaki’s longest-serving Registered Master Builder, Clelands Construction, completed the redevelopment of the Gill Street building for Toi Foundation. It successfully delivered a full building transformation, including seismic strengthening and a complete interior upgrade and fit-out. The new layout includes flexible space upstairs for team hui and mahi and a welcoming ground-floor gathering place downstairs for various community groups, (‘Toitū Te Huatahi’). This visionary project was shaped in partnership with Ngāti Te Whiti, who walked alongside Toi Foundation during the planning stages in the final months of the 2024/25 financial year to capture local narratives for display panels throughout the building. “These conversations enriched every part of our transition, most notably in the gifting of names for the building and its shared spaces. A Māori design specialist guided cultural elements, ensuring the space reflects the narratives of the land and the aspirations of our rohe.” In a recent testimonial, Maria acknowledged Clelands for demonstrating outstanding commitment to the project, right from the outset. “They consistently delivered high-quality results, meeting all deadlines. “Their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond contributed to a positive working relationship. Clelands also demonstrates a strong commitment to engaging and collaborating with the wider Taranaki community.” Fresh paint since 1956 Commercial | Industrial | Residential Decades of experience, with the highest level of workmanship makes Grays Painting Contractors the company for your next project. 0800 127 246 admin.hawera@graypainters.co.nz www.graypainters.co.nz hello@ gibbonsarchitects.co.nz L1 110 Devon St West, NP 022 398 5179
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