About US
Generosity New Zealand is an incorporated society and registered charity set up in 1990 by Sir Roy McKenzie. His desire was to level the funding playing field by providing a service to funders maintaining an up-to-date listing of their funding, and distributing this information to the most eligible communities.
We did this by providing access to custom search tools that help communities find the best funding fit for their organisation, the people who benefit from their work and the types of work they do.
To do this, Generosity NZ runs a community business model, based upon selling subscriptions to organisations that can offer communities access to the funding tools. These organisations include libraries, schools, universities and some community-based organisations.
After almost 30 years of doing this Generosity NZ has grown its information collection tools and broadened the range of information it collects. As resources allow, we continue to develop these tools so that communities, individuals and funders can connect collaboratively and efficiently.
Click here to see more about our search tools.
We have a small team working on all of this, you can meet them here. We also have a Board who are volunteers and provide guidance and governance to GNZ. You can meet them here.
Our Mission
To build, support and maintain the environment that enables interdependent stakeholders to meet their generosity goals within a thriving generosity eco-system.
To maintain information in the funding ecosystem so that it informs, enables and improves its capability, accessibility and intelligence.
Generosity New Zealand Staff
Brenda Smith - Chief Executive
Our Chief Kite Flyer is the link between the Board and the operations. Brenda ensures that we are on track to reach the goals in our flight plan and our rocket ship is in good order. Her involvement in the establishment of the Funding Information Service 28 years ago means Brenda has brought the mission of the organisation into focus since her return six years ago. She enjoys steering a small and agile organisation through the challenges that arise and basking in the calm spots when they arrive. In her spare time, Brenda manages to dust off her racquet and play the odd game of tennis at her local Vogelmorn Tennis Club.
Arklaine Vailepa - Executive Assistant
Arklaine keeps the Chief Kite Flyer anchored and looks after everything to do with anything; from making sure there is paper in the printer to coordinating some of our more complex work plans and projects. Arklaine is a voracious learner and is always looking for courses that will continue to grow her skills. In her spare time Arklaine enjoys spending time with her family.
Mel Landrum - Business Data Analyst
Mel’s passion for technology and data are two of the many reasons she enjoys working for Generosity NZ. As Business Data Analyst, Mel enjoys delivering high quality data that is valuable to our customers. In Mel’s spare time she drums, and enjoys calligraphy and drawing.
Board Members
Sam Sefuiva, Chair
A former Principal Advisor at the Human Rights Commission, Sam now manages an independent social enterprise consultancy in strategy, shared value and synergies between economic and social objectives. Sam's particular expertise is in strategic advice, cultural and economic development and executive leadership, with an interest in building human rights approaches in the Pacific context.
Timoti Brown
Timoti brings over 15 years of experience in Māori language research, monitoring and evaluation; and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) policy. With an ethnically-diverse background, Timoti descends from te kawai taniwha, and affiliated to Ngati Ruapani, Ngati Kahungungu ki Te Wairoa, Rongowhakaata and Te Iwi Moriori. Timoti lives in Wellington with his wife and two children.
Tina Wehipeihana -Wilson
Tina Wehipeihana -Wilson is GNZ’s newest board member and is Auckland based. Tina has a robust 20 year background in business advisory roles, particularly in the Māori sector.
She hails from Ngati Tukōrehe, Ngati Raukawa, Muaupoko, Rangitane and Ngai Tahu. When not jet setting across the world in her role as Pouārahi / Director Māori Business for NZ Trade & Enterprise, Tina can be found deep in adventures with her hubby Tem, daughter Arahia and three sons, TJ, Kahuao and Aorangi.
Janet Carson
Janet brings a global perspective and local smarts to her role as a member of the Generosity NZ board. Janet runs her own PR consultancy, Caucus, and is a specialist in energy and infrastructure sectors; having previously been a senior manager with two of New Zealand's most innovative energy companies: Todd Energy and Contact Energy.
She is a board member of The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and Literacy Aotearoa Wellington. Janet is Ngati Rangitihi and Ngati Haka Patuheueheu; she lives in Wellington.
