Media release
6 July 2026

More than 460 New Zealanders unite for children at inaugural Barnardos Foundation Gala Dinner

More than 460 people gathered in Wellington on Thursday evening for the inaugural Barnardos Foundation Gala Dinner, raising more than $126,000 to support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across Aotearoa.

The event, Shine Bright, brought together business leaders, philanthropists, community advocates and supporters from across New Zealand, demonstrating the power of Kotahitanga (unity); coming together with a shared commitment to creating better outcomes for children in Aotearoa.

The funds raised will enable the Barnardos Foundation to invest in the innovation, research and initiatives needed to create lasting, generational change for children, while supporting the day-to-day work of Barnardos Aotearoa.

Barnardos Aotearoa Chief Executive Matt Reid says the evening was a powerful reminder of what is possible when people unite behind a common purpose.

“The generosity in the room was extraordinary, but what stood out even more was the shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that we all have a part to play”, says Matt.

"The biggest challenges facing children won't be solved by any one organisation, government or political party. Real change happens when communities, businesses, philanthropists and leaders come together around a common purpose."

Established in 2023, the Barnardos Foundation was created to inspire long-term philanthropy for children. It exists to invest beyond day-to-day service delivery, backing innovation, research and new ideas that can improve outcomes for children across Aotearoa for generations to come.

Barnardos Foundation Chair Angus Marks says the inaugural gala exceeded every expectation.

"We're thrilled with the funds raised, but what I'll remember most is the feeling in the room. There was an unmistakable sense of optimism, generosity and shared purpose."

"The Barnardos Foundation exists because we know lasting change takes long-term investment. The generosity shown on the night will help us back new ideas, strengthen what works and continue building a better future for children across Aotearoa."

The spirit of the evening was perhaps best captured in one of its most powerful moments, when 460 guests stood up in support of the Generational Plan for children; a call from Barnardos Aotearoa for a long-term, cross-party commitment to improving children's lives, recognising that the biggest challenges facing children cannot be solved within a single electoral term.

In that moment, the room sent a clear message: New Zealanders are ready to back children, with the long-term thinking, sustained investment and collective action they deserve.

“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and partners. They helped create the conditions for an extraordinary night where people came together in support of children and families across Aotearoa,” says Angus.

The gala was proudly presented by Willis Bond and LT McGuinness, with support from major sponsors AMC, Fastcom, Milford Foundation, Ray White Kemeys Brothers and Russell McVeagh, alongside many other generous sponsors, partners and prize donors.

ENDS.

Media contact
Elodie Berthe, Barnardos Aotearoa, Communications and Advocacy Manager Elodie.berthe@barnardos.org.nz or 027 220 2995.

About Barnardos Aotearoa

Barnardos Aotearoa exists because every tamaiti (child) deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances. For too many families in Aotearoa, hardship creates barriers that make it harder for children to have the futures they deserve - poverty, housing instability, family harm, intergenerational trauma, and barriers to education and essential services.

Barnardos works to break down those barriers, provides wraparound support, and ensures every child gets the best possible start in life. Every year, we work with more than 30,000 tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across the motu. Our work spans across early learning, social and community services, care services, counselling, and advocacy, ensuring that tamariki and whānau receive the right support, at the right time.

About the Barnardos Foundation

The Barnardos Foundation exists to look beyond today’s challenges and invest in lasting solutions for tamariki and whānau. While Barnardos delivers vital services every day, the Foundation funds the innovation, research and new initiatives that help shift the dial for children across Aotearoa, for generations to come.

460+ unite for children at inaugural Barnardos Foundation Gala