Positive Outlook, Positive Future
Remember when you were a kid. Life seemed full of possibilities. So why should that attitude change? Young people today need to be encouraged to stay positive, aim high, go for their dreams, and make the most of their unique talents. That’s us right there, cheering them on.
The Graeme Dingle Foundation is a child and youth charity founded by Sir Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson, Lady Dingle, in 1995 as the Project K Trust. The Graeme Dingle Foundation is a leader in the field of child and youth development, running several successful proven programmes – Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator, Project K.
Our programmes cover young people from 5-24 and have been proven to have a direct impact on building resilience to help them overcome life’s obstacles and thrive. Participating students have access to inspirational leaders and mentors when taking part in programmes that provide the skills they need to prosper. We believe it is important that we not only do good, but we can prove the difference we make.
Our programmes empower tamariki and rangatahi to overcome life’s obstacles and are informed by best practice research. With our University research partners, we know our programmes improve attitudes and behaviour, improve academic results, help young people set and achieve goals, boost self-confidence, reduce truancy rates and at risk behaviours such as substance abuse. Through these community-focused, life changing, role modelling and mentoring programmes, our young people develop life skills and confidence – empowered to find their purpose and direction in life.
Since 1995 we’ve had over 350,000 young people through our programmes and are helping over 27,000 children each year to become their own heroes.
![kiwican-hero](https://dinglefoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/kiwican-hero.png)
![stars-hero](https://dinglefoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/stars-hero.png)
![projectk-hero](https://dinglefoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/projectk-hero.png)
![career-hero](https://dinglefoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/career-hero.png)
![Kiwi Tahi Logo](https://dinglefoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Kiwi-Tahi-PNG.png)
Off to an awesome start
Kiwi Can is our energy-packed primary school programme, aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years. It teaches values such as integrity and respect, and delivers fun-filled learning to schools all around the country.
Visit Kiwi CanHelping to support Kiwi kids stay stronger together
Our Stars programme strengthens young people for that often-tricky transition into high school, through training and supporting older students to mentor and walk alongside the new year 9’s.
Visit StarsShaping the future
Project K kicks in at a time when some kids need it most. Designed for Year 10's, this programme builds confidence, teaches life skills, promotes good health and encourages a positive attitude. What's not to love.
Visit Project KThe sky's the limit
"What are you going to do when you grow up?" Not a lot of teens know the answer to that old chestnut! Career Navigator helps by assisting NZ's youth with valuable information, options and guidance around work and life choices, support with achieving goals, and aiming high.
Visit Career NavigatorKiwi Tahi
Kiwi Tahi is an early intervention programme for tamarki aged 8 – 12 years which aims to reduce the number of young people engaged in anti-social behaviour and/or the youth justice system.
Visit Kiwi TahiMaking a difference:
Doing good is one thing. Being able to track the difference we make is another. Through extensive, ongoing research we know for a fact that Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes;
- Improve attitudes and behaviour
- Improve academic results
- Help young people set and achieve their goals
- Boost self-confidence
- Reduce truancy rates and at risk behaviours (eg substance abuse)
- Help young people feel more positive about the future
![Infometrics 700×400 Featured Box Homepage](https://dinglefoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Infometrics-700x400-Featured-Box-Homepage.png)
Every $1 Invested...
A 2024 study by Infometrics found that for every dollar invested in the Graeme Dingle Foundation's programmes results in an average $10.50 return to Aotearoa New Zealand's economy.
Find out more- Annual Review 2023
- Annual Review 2022
- Annual Review 2021
- Child Protection Policy
Annual Review 2023
Annual Review 2022
Annual Review 2021
Child Protection Policy
Graeme Dingle Foundation is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children and young people, including prevention of child/young person abuse or maltreatment. This policy provides guidance to Graeme Dingle Foundation staff (including contractors and volunteers) on how to identify and respond to concerns about possible abuse or neglect of a child or young person.
Browse the policy here