The Tindall Foundation has a long and committed history of walking alongside the communities of Aotearoa New Zealand. Founded by Stephen and Margaret Tindall, it was built on a deep commitment to generosity, equity, and care for both people and the environment. This timeline was built to help tell this story, highlighting some key milestones that defined our path and continue to guide our future.
Following the successful float of The Warehouse, Stephen and Margaret Tindall founded The Tindall Foundation (TTF). Margaret gifted her shares in The Warehouse Group to TTF, creating a lasting legacy to support Aotearoa New Zealand. Each year the dividends from these shares fund the majority of the Foundation’s work.
Five years in, The Tindall Foundation was supporting hundreds of grassroots initiatives across Aotearoa, from youth development and parenting support to environmental projects that also created local jobs. To deepen impact in local communities, the Foundation began appointing Funding Managers (later known as Local Donation Managers) within trusted voluntary sector organisations already doing incredible mahi in their communities. One of these was the WWF Habitat Protection Fund, which backed community-led conservation efforts and engaged schools in environmental education.
At this time, most funds were distributed through these partner groups, with a focus on employment and environmental outcomes. A smaller number of donations were made directly from the Foundation.
“We are grateful to the groups working within their communities that have used our funds in the best way they see fit to achieve their goals.” – Stephen & Margaret Tindall
The Tindall Foundation committed a $2 million donation to support the creation of Community Foundations across Aotearoa. These locally led organisations were to enable everyday New Zealanders to give back to their communities in lasting ways. Seven regions completed key milestones to establish their foundations, marking a shift toward regional equity and sustainable philanthropy.
Read more about Community Foundations today: Smarter giving for local impact – Community Foundations NZ
The Tindall Foundation renewed its focus on families and children – recognising the critical importance of the early years in shaping lifelong wellbeing. This marked the beginning of a more intentional commitment to the first 3–5 years of life, guided by research such as the Otago University Longitudinal Study and emerging neuroscience on infant brain development. The Foundation began scoping the early years sector to identify trusted partners and effective initiatives for long-term investment.
By 2012, The Tindall Foundation had surpassed $100 million in cumulative donations. The foundation was primarily giving in 6 programme areas: Supporting Families and Social Services, Caring for our Environment, Encouraging Employment and Enterprise, Strengthening the Community Sector, Promoting Generosity and Giving, and Special Funds (which were responsive donations).
Over two decades, the Foundation had supported more than 5,000 initiatives, incredible people all working incredibly hard. To celebrate, five organisations supported by the Tindall Foundation were honoured at Government House for their incredible contributions and tireless work to make New Zealand a better place for all.
“When we established The Tindall Foundation in 1995, we hoped that we could use our money to help make a difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders, if only in a small way. We knew our money would be a drop in the ocean compared to the need in our country. None of this would have been possible without the tireless work of all the individuals and organisations that devote their time to building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities. They are the real heroes in our story.” – Stephen & Margaret Tindall
In 2016 Margaret and Stephen’s five children established Next Gen. Siblings Liz, Rob, Ben, Jem and Kate work together to manage this proactive fund, carrying on the generosity of their parents while making their own decisions.
Next gen works to support the wellbeing of rangatahi through the arts and creative programmes that foster confidence, resilience, self-esteem, connection and a strong sense of belonging.
“It is a privilege and a great way to get hands-on experience in philanthropy. We really enjoy working together as a sibling team and meeting the fabulous organisations and talented rangatahi we support.”
The Tindall Foundation deepened its commitment to locally led wellbeing, Māori-led solutions, and systems change. It refined its regional focus to Te Tai Tokerau, Horowhenua/Whanganui, and Tairāwhiti – embracing a place-based approach to support locally determined solutions and long-term relationships. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Mātauranga Māori, the Foundation continued to back initiatives by Māori, for Māori, focused on community wellbeing and environmental restoration.
Thirty years on, our commitment remains the same: to walk alongside communities to create lasting change.
Celebrating the 30th year of The Tindall Foundation we reflected on the moments that mattered most – the partnerships, the inspiring kaupapa and the collective action that has really shaped this milestone.
Explore our 2025 Year In Review: 2025 Year Review | The Tindall Foundation
Stephen and Margaret Tindall
Stephen and Margaret Tindall co-founded The Tindall Foundation (TTF) in 1994, following the public float of The Warehouse; the retail chain Stephen started 10 years earlier. Motivated by deep gratitude for Aotearoa and to the communities that supported their journey and success – they established the Foundation to give back in a meaningful and enduring way.
Margaret made a significant gesture at the time of the float by gifting her shares in The Warehouse to the Foundation. Annual dividends from those shares continue to fund the majority of TTF’s work. Stephen and Margaret’s hope was to contribute to the long-term wellbeing of Aotearoa and its people. The Tindall whanau shares a deep love and pride in Aotearoa. Their work is guided by empathy, a belief in fairness and equity, care for the natural world, and a recognition of the shared humanity that connects us all.
In 2016, Stephen and Margaret’s five children – Liz, Rob, Ben, Jem, and Kate – established the Next Gen Fund (link to NG page) to support rangatahi wellbeing through the arts and creativity. They manage this proactive fund independently, making their own decisions while carrying forward the generosity of their parents. Liz, Kate, Rob and Ben also hold governance and management roles within the Foundation.
The third generation whānau are also invited to engage with the foundation, if they choose to, in ways that feel meaningful to them. The 2025 appointment of Amelia, Liz’s daughter, and the first Gen 3 staff member marks a new chapter in this evolving journey. Amelia joined the team on a part time basis while studying at university. Stephen and Margaret are delighted that their grandchildren are showing an interest in the Foundation’s work and look forward to them bringing with them new ideas, energy, and approaches to giving.
To support innovative, forward-thinking initiatives that make a positive difference for Aotearoa New Zealand in the areas of Whānau/Family, Community, and Environment.
To help build a stronger, more equitable Aotearoa by supporting initiatives that:
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Aotearoa’s constitutional document, we recognise its role in guiding the relationship and partnership between Tangata Whenua and the Crown. We commit to upholding tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake o tangata Māori, and we stand for advancing Māori aspirations and the protection of Māori rights, knowledge systems, and leadership. We recognise Te Tiriti as a cornerstone of social cohesion, equity and our national identity. Acknowledging Aotearoa's history and the enduring impacts of colonisation, we are committed to the principles of partnership, participation, and protection in all aspects of our work.
