Supporting outdoor experiential learning takes both care and long-term thinking. The Whenua Iti Foundation Trust was established to strengthen the financial sustainability of Whenua Iti Trust Inc. (operating as Whenua Iti Outdoors), providing a dedicated, independently governed vehicle for philanthropic investment.
Careful Stewardship
By working with a professional investment manager, Whenua Iti Foundation ensures that funds are carefully managed and stewarded to benefit Whenua Iti Trust's work in perpetuity. This enables Whenua Iti Outdoors to balance immediate impact with the long-term resilience needed to support youth and communities now and in the future.
The Foundation Model
How to make a gift
There are different ways to make a donation.
Gift directly to our bank account
You are welcome to make a gift direct to our bank account. If you do so, please email us to let us know your intention to donate.
Bank account: 03-1354-0631998-00
Account name: Whenua Iti Foundation Trust
Leave a Bequest
Your bequest will be carefully managed by the Foundation to safeguard and grow the impact of your generosity for future generations.
Giving from the United States
We welcome support from US-based donors and can provide tax-efficient giving options.
Option: > Giving via The Gift Trust
US donors can make tax-deductible contributions through a US 501(c)(3) partner:
- Donations are made to a US-registered nonprofit
- Donors receive a US tax-deductible receipt
- Funds are transferred to the Whenua Iti Foundation to support charitable purposes
This structure ensures full compliance with IRS requirements while maintaining alignment with our mission.
Hāpaitia te ara tika pūmau ai te rangatiratanga mō ngā uri whakatipu
Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations.
Our Trustees
Pip Lynch (Chair)
David Ross
Jasmine Herlt
I am thrilled to be part of Whenua Iti Foundation. My career has focused on the non-profit world as a lawyer and human rights activist. Most recently, I retired as the Managing Director of Human Rights Watch in Canada which I joined over 20 years ago. Previously I have held executive and board positions with NZ-based Human Rights Measurement Initiative, Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, Toronto-based St. Michaels Hospital, STOP 103 Food Bank and other NFP and for-profit corporations.
In 2022 my husband and I moved to the Tasman region. We have focused on using our skills to support and expand knowledge in education. In 2024, I helped initiate, fund and organise a partnership between Toronto’s George Brown College and NMIT to create an innovative pathway for shared global learning and cultural exchange. This opportunity led me to Whenua iti Outdoors. After seeing the impact of the organization in action, I wanted to become involved.
Annual Report
Read more about the work you will be supporting via our latest annual report. We evaluate organisation performance against our cultural, environmental, social and financial goals.
Interested in getting Involved?
We are always open to new ideas as to how use our programmes to support positive change within our community. If you have an idea to run past us, don't hesitate to get in touch!
Want to find out more about a programme or have a question for us? Talk to one of our friendly team - we're happy to help.