Responsiveness
We’re guided by the needs of the communities we serve and make decisions accordingly.
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Transparency
We communicate clearly with partners and stakeholders about our decisions, directions, progress and any potential challenges.
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Altruism
We share our knowledge and learnings with the wider industry, so they can join us to help Kiwis improve their financial resilience.
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Trust
We recognise that our partners are experts in their fields, providing us with informed insights and knowledge to reach our shared goal.
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Inclusion
We recognise and value diversity in Kiwi communities, and are strongly committed to nurturing social cohesion, diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
The issues are complex. However, we will make a bigger impact when we collaborate with others.
Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School
Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School: Shaping financial whizz kids
Nestled beneath Te Maunga o Whetumatarau in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School is a hub of financial creativity and learning. Thanks to the partnership led by Cain Kerehoma of Kiko Innovation and supported by the Booster Foundation, the school is on a mission to shape students into money-savvy individuals.
Through the innovative Banqer programme, students not only learn about finances but earn for their KiwiSaver accounts, blending education with real-world experience. This two-year pilot, captured on film, could help spark further expansion through Tairāwhiti and beyond.
Students lare already reaping the benefits, learning valuable lessons about wise spending, saving, and the power of interest.
‘Matua Ryno is teaching us how to use our money wisely. Koka Lisa has given us jobs in class for us to get paid into our Banqer. We can earn money by our good learning attitude and achievements. I am to listen all the time.’
‘I’ve been learning how to invest and save in Banqer. I love Tuesday because Matua Ryno comes in to talk about how we can get good interest.’
Ngā Tāngata Microfinance – My Money Kete
My Money Kete: Empowering financial freedom for Kiwis
The Booster Foundation is backing Ngā Tāngata Microfinance's innovative My Money Kete project. This online platform, bursting with engaging videos, educating Facebook posts and enlightening webinars, is more than just a learning tool — it's fostering financial empowerment.
Designed to equip Kiwis with crucial money management skills and the confidence to stay debt-free, My Money Kete helps people take control of their financial lives. Its dynamic digital format has accelerated its reach, smashing its first-year goal with over 1,200 subscribers in just six months. A whopping 79% of members are cutting their debt, 86% feel their debt burdens lightening and nearly half (45%) are boosting their savings. My Money Kete isn't just teaching financial literacy; it's igniting a revolution in money mindfulness.
More than Money
More than Money: Inspiring Pasifika youth with life smarts
In South Auckland, a transformative programme is taking shape working with churches and community groups, helping young members and their families achieve financial resilience. More than Money, launched by Clementine Ludlow-Henare in 2021, is piloting Life Smarts. Targeted at Pasifika youth, it is equipping young minds with essential tools for financial resilience. From mastering budgeting to understanding the importance of goal setting, this programme goes beyond the basics.
It instills a community-first ethos, supporting participants to become financial ambassadors within their families and networks. Nearly 60 young people are already part of this journey, sharing their newfound wisdom and shaping a more financially savvy future. Testimonies from members like Tupo and Cory highlight the program's transformative impact, showcasing how Life Smarts is not just teaching financial skills but helping change lives and build community leaders.
Tupo, a Life Smarts member, says: ‘It is very good teaching everyone about saving and also the differences between wants and needs, also helping everyone out with their own kind of struggle with money.’
Cory adds: ‘This framework has really opened my eyes to the financial side of life as I was not educated about the topics of spending/saving in high school and university. I believe this has had a positive impact on my life as these essentially are life skills that I could further project onto my younger sibling. These skills include spending habits, saving structures, setting goals and calculations.’
Te Whenua Group
The Booster Foundation is delighted to partner with Te Whenua Group. TWG is a kaupapa Māori social enterprise which has long partnered with several Iwi, hapū and whānau groups throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
TWG believes in using housing to make life better for everyone. It delivers housing in a way that lets residents achieve long-term financial sustainability and resilience. The Booster Foundation is proud to support TWG develop its ‘He Whare Tōnui’ pilot programme that gives whānau the essential education and skills to securely own their homes.
The partnership highlights how important it is for people’s financial wellbeing to manage money well and give them a secure home. TWG’s strong connections with Māori community groups allow it to introduce new approaches to improve financial health through housing.
The pilot is based in the Horowhenua district and will bring whānau from across the rohu together to learn at wananga, iwi rūnanga or marae. Having participants share with each other helps normalise kōrero around money and gives them the confidence to expand their financial knowledge.
Through accessible, wananga-based, culturally responsive, engaging financial education TWG empowers whānau to fulfil their potential.
Responding to residents' wish to learn more about money, this effort will help secure their own home, retirement and family wealth, as well as supporting intergenerational change to tackle deep-rooted inequities.
“The ache for home lies in all of us, the safe space where we can go as we are and not be questioned”
— Maya Angelou
“We like learning about organisations around Aotearoa New Zealand that also aim to address issues of financial resilience and inequality, particularly those deeply rooted in our communities. “
“Feeling in control of your money is lifechanging. ”
“This framework has really opened my eyes to the financial side of life as I was not educated about the topics of spending/saving in High School and University.”
“I used to buy on impulse, so now I go shopping with a list and stick to it, I’ve learnt so much I have set little goals and it feels so good.”
