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Len Reynolds Trust Opposes Barriers to Participation in the Electoral Amendment Bill

On 14 August 2025, the Len Reynolds Trust made a submission to Parliament on the Electoral Amendment Bill. As a philanthropic trust based in the Waikato, our vision is a region where all children and young people are secure, resilient, and thriving. We work closely with Māori and rural communities, focusing on equity, whānau and tamariki wellbeing, and dismantling systemic barriers. Our strategy commits us to: Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Challenging inequities and systemic b...

Stronger Community Protections in Online Gambling Regulation

Len Reynolds Trust Calls for Stronger Community Protections in Online Gambling Regulation On 14 August, the Len Reynolds Trust made a submission to Parliament on the Online Casino Gambling Regulation Bill. While we welcome overdue regulation of online casino gambling, we share the concerns raised by Philanthropy New Zealand about the Bill’s failure to require licensed operators to return a share of profits to the community. This omission risks stripping tens of millions of dolla...

Standing for Fair Representation

The Len Reynolds Trust exists to foster strong, inclusive communities across Aotearoa. Central to that vision is equity in decision-making - ensuring all people, especially those historically underrepresented, have a genuine voice in shaping the places we live. In 2021, discriminatory referendum requirements for Māori wards were removed, meaning councils could introduce Māori wards in the same way as general wards - without being forced into costly, one-off polls that allowed the majority...

Early Childhood Reform Bill Risks Undermining Tamariki Wellbeing – We Urge Action

The Len Reynolds Trust has made a formal submission to Parliament opposing the Education and Training (Early Childhood Education Reform) Amendment Bill in its current form. While we support efforts to ensure the early childhood education (ECE) regulatory framework is effective, equitable, and transparent, this Bill introduces fundamental changes that: Shift the purpose of ECE from being child-centred to serving economic objectives. Fail to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations de...

Supporting Art, Identity and Inclusion in Public Spaces: Our Response to the Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy

The Len Reynolds Trust recently made a submission in support of Hamilton City Council’s Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy. We welcome the intent and direction of the proposed policy, which recognises the vital role that creativity, art, and cultural expression play in shaping inclusive and thriving communities. Our submission reflects our belief that public art is more than decoration. It is a way of telling stories, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, affirming identity, and creating space...

Grounded in Wairua, Guided by Whakapapa: Reflections from Ki te Hoe

A Place of Deep Knowing Kauaetangohia Marae is a place that holds mana and memory. The whenua itself speaks — and for many in the rōpū, it felt like being invited into a living whakapapa. The hapū here have retained 94% of their land, which is rare in Aotearoa. This connection to place shaped every part of the experience. There were no PowerPoints. No folders. Just people, kōrero, and presence. The warmth and generosity shown by the Waititi whānau and their wider hapū was quiet...

Te Haerenga Rangatahi – A Learning Journey to Ōtautahi

Matariki is a time to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. In June 2025, a group of youth sector leaders from across the Waikato travelled to Ōtautahi (Christchurch) for a shared learning journey — Te Haerenga Rangatahi — focused on youth wellbeing, housing, collaboration and systems change. Over three days, the group visited a range of kaupapa Māori, grassroots, and integrated service providers to see how different communities are supporting rangatahi in place-based...

Election Season Is Coming - Advocate Smart, Stay Legal

Election time is a critical moment for change and for charities, it's a chance to amplify the voices and issues that matter most to our communities. But to have the most impact, we also need to stay on the right side of the law. 🔍 If you’re a registered charity in Aotearoa, you can advocate—but only in ways that align with your charitable purpose. That means you can speak out on issues like housing, climate, education, or Māori representation, but you can’t support or oppose polit...

Len Reynolds Trust Calls for Public Action Against “Undemocratic” Regulatory Standards Bill

The Len Reynolds Trust has submitted a strong opposition to the Regulatory Standards Bill, calling it a “Trojan horse for constitutional restructuring” that threatens equity, environmental stewardship, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.Chief Executive Melissa Gibson is urging the public to speak up before submissions close on 23 June 2025.“This Bill utterly unacceptable. It is a fundamental rewrite of our democratic framework, without mandate or public input,” said Gibson. “It strips away prote...

On the Suspension of Māori MPs: A Call to Challenge Colonised Systems and Uplift Our Young People

The Len Reynolds Trust acknowledges the unprecedented 7 to 21-day suspensions of Te Pāti Māori MPs following their performance of a haka in Parliament. While we do not advocate for any political party, we are deeply concerned about the underlying message this sends—especially to rangatahi Māori and to all those striving to be seen, heard, and valued in systems not designed with them in mind.Though the official reason for suspension was the MPs leaving their assigned seats—a breach of...

Licence to Succeed: We Need Safer Roads and Fairer Access - Not Shortcuts and Inequity

The Len Reynolds Trust is urging the Government to rethink aspects of its proposed changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS), warning that the current approach could compromise safety and deepen existing inequities—particularly for young people and rural learners. CEO Melissa Gibson says the Trust supports efforts to make licensing more accessible and affordable. However, removing the full licence practical test and relying solely on a clean driving record could lower the st...

He Whare, He Oranga - A Home, A Future - Celebrating the opening of Whare Te Ao Āpōpō

Recently, Our CE Melissa Gibson, had the privilege of standing alongside Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa to mark the opening of Whare Te Ao Āpōpō - a place of stability, support, and hope for taiohi (young people) experiencing homelessness or housing instability. ...

Standing for Pay Equity: A Call to Action for a Fairer Aotearoa

The Len Reynolds Trust has spoken out strongly against the Government’s sudden move to dismantle key provisions of New Zealand’s pay equity framework. This decision, made under urgency, is a step backward for fairness and a direct blow to the aspirations of wāhine and communities fighting for justice....

Protecting the Right to Be Seen: Len Reynolds Trust Opposes Erasure of Rainbow and Takatāpui Youth in RSE Curriculum

The Len Reynolds Trust has lodged a formal submission opposing the proposed overhaul of Aotearoa’s Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidelines, warning that the new draft risks failing the very young people it is meant to protect.The Trust, which serves tamariki and rangatahi across the wider Waikato region, says the proposed removal or dilution of content related to gender diversity, sexuality, and takatāpui identities amounts to cultural erasure and systemic neglect.“This is ab...

Advocating for Fair Tax Policies that Support Communities

The Len Reynolds Trust has actively engaged in the Inland Revenue’s recent consultation on the taxation of charities and not-for-profits. Led by CEO Melissa Gibson, the Trust’s submission to the Issues Paper: Taxation and the Not-for-Profit Sector calls attention to concerns regarding the potential unintended consequences of proposed tax changes.  Specifically, the submission warns that these changes could have a negative impact on the very communities that not-for-profit organisat...

Tuia – Strengthening a Movement of Rangatahi Māori Leadership

Tuia continues to make a significant impact by empowering over 700 rangatahi Māori through kaupapa Māori values and long-term mentoring. The initiative has grown into a national movement supporting young Māori leaders across Aotearoa.  As Tuia approaches the final two years of our six-year funding commitment, the need to ensure the programme’s long-term impact is critical. We are committed to continuing our support and working to ensure sustained investment to nurture our next gen...

A Fresh Identity: The New Len Reynolds Trust Logo and Our Commitment to Change

The Len Reynolds Trust has launched a new logo that reflects its new strategic priorities and an enduring commitment to fostering intergenerational wellbeing and environmental stewardship in the Waikato region.The design, a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional weaving (raranga), highlights the intrinsic connections between people, the environment, and the values that underpin the Trust’s work. The harakeke (flax) elements within the logo represent growth and vitality, while the interwo...

Creating Safe Spaces and Inclusive Futures

At the Len Reynolds Trust, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all communities, including rainbow whānau. We believe that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.  Our focus on supporting rainbow communities is rooted in our core values of equity, manaakitanga, and social cohesion. From advocating for safer spaces to creating funding opportunities, we are actively worki...

Preserving Taonga: Kiwi Translocation at Maungatautari

The Len Reynolds Trust recently witnessed conservation in action at Maungatautari, where a dedicated team conducted health checks on approximately 20 kiwi as part of a critical translocation effort to Taranaki. Over two days in March, the meticulous work unfolded as conservationists carefully captured and assessed these precious birds before their journey to their new home. The process, carried out with respect and care, exemplifies the commitment required to protect and restore Aotearoa's ...

Strategic Priorities for Lasting Impact: Supporting Māori-Led Solutions and Intergenerational Wellbeing

For nearly six decades, the Len Reynolds Trust has been supporting innovation in community development and environmental restoration across the Waikato region, reflecting the values of its founders, Len and Ada Reynolds. Following 18 months of workshops, consultations, and collaboration with trustees and key stakeholders, the Trust has unveiled a bold new strategic plan....

Small Embers, Big Fires: Collaborating to Build a Youth Hub in Nawton

At the Len Reynolds Trust, we often talk about doing funding differently — being relational, responsive, and recognising the power of collaboration. Recently, we had the privilege of experiencing this first-hand through the incredible journey of supporting the Western Community Centre’s vision for a Youth Hub in Nawton.It began in July 2024, when our Chief Executive, Melissa Gibson, met with Neil Tolan at the Western Community Centre. The idea of a Youth Hub emerged as a spark — a possibil...

Hosting Submissions Parties to Oppose the Treaty Principles Bill

In December 2024, the Len Reynolds Trust partnered with Community Waikato to host submissions parties aimed at opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. These gatherings were about more than writing submissions—they were a powerful act of collective advocacy, bringing together individuals and organisations from across the Waikato to stand up for the mana and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.The submissions parties reflected our shared commitment to empowering communities, amplifying underrepresented ...

Walking Together: A Reflection on the Hikoi to Kirikiriroa and Wellington

In November 2024 we had the privilege of witnessing and participating history as the hikoi moved through Kirikiriroa and later that week arrived at Parliament in Wellington. From the early hours, Wellington was alive with purpose — resonating with unity, strength, and aroha. It was a peaceful, beautiful, and deeply moving moment that will stay with us forever.As an organisation committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Len Reynolds Trust was proud to support this kaupapa with nearly all...

Behind the Scenes: How We Built the New Len Reynolds Trust Strategy

In 2023, we embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape our strategy—a process that challenged us, inspired us, and left us with something bold and exciting. For those who have ever wondered what it looks like to truly embrace reflection, collaboration, and courage in crafting a new direction, this is our story....