November 18, 2015
Maori development McKenzie priority
The J R McKenzie Trust has celebrated 75 years of philanthropic activity, during with time it has handed out more than $83 million to support New Zealanders in need.
Chair Patrick Cummings says the trust was established on profits from the McKenzies’ chain of department stores.
About seven years ago it switched from giving small amounts to lots of groups to giving a few groups larger sums.
Its focus now is on Maori development, disadvantaged children and their families, and social justice.
Mr Cummings says groups funded include a Whanganui marae, Raglan-based anti-violence group Te Mauri Tau, and Te Ara Tika O Te Whanau, which works with the Mongrel Mob’s Notorious chapter.
"We took a leap of faith in funding that group but their aim was to get members of the gang on to a different path from where they had been going. We and they are very proud of the fact the Notorious chapter has had no one in prison for the last 10 years," he says.
The J R McKenzie Trust looks for organisations it thinks will make a difference, are sustainable, and show good leadership and good management of funding.
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