“At our core, the foundation is about Taranaki people leaving a lasting gift for Taranaki people,” Barnett said. The foundation was launched in 2016 and named after the karaka tree, which represents the funds entrusted to support the foundation, with and its orange berries representing the income generated from the funds to support the Taranaki community.
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Hickford and Barnett wanted the name to reflect the community they’re helping. Chief executive Josh Hickford said the rebrand was about encouraging a feeling of community inclusivity and ownership. “We want everybody to feel a part of the Taranaki Foundation, it is not our foundation, but your foundation,” Hickford said.
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New Plymouth man Josh Hickford says anyone can do something to help their community if they’re passionate. (File photo)
A Taranaki cancer survivor who started devoting his time to the community after his battle has been named a semifinalist for a national award. Josh Hickford, 31, is in the running to be named the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year alongside nine others. The finalists will be named on March 1.
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