Our Story:
Over 30 years ago, Sir Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson, Lady Dingle had a vision to improve New Zealand’s negative youth statistics. Together they continue to be relentless campaigners, supporters, fundraisers and champions of the charity’s quest to help young New Zealanders realise their potential.
The Graeme Dingle Foundation works with Aotearoa New Zealand’s tamariki and rangatahi at different life stages, working directly with schools and communities through our programmes.
Our programmes are currently delivered to nearly 27,000 young people in 10 regions across Aotearoa New Zealand every year. Our vision is to ensure Aotearoa will be the best place in the world to be young.
Our Founders
Sir Graeme Dingle has dedicated 45 years of his life to improving outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand’s young people. Alongside his partner Jo-anne Wilkinson, Lady Dingle, he pledged to dedicate his life to positively impact on New Zealand’s negative youth statistics.
Find Out MoreOur History:
Timeline of Events
1994: Jo-anne Wilkinson and Graeme Dingle meet with Kiwi icons on One Tree Hill – in the presence of about 100 people, including Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Paul Reeves, Wayne Walden, Pat Booth, Murray Deaker and Arthur Lydiard.
Graeme and Jo-anne announce their intention to establish an organisation designed to impact positively on negative youth statistics in New Zealand
1994 – 1995: Consulting with Communities – Jo-anne and Graeme kayak and tramp 1200 kilometres from Nelson to Auckland, consulting with people and communities.
Project K Trust established May 1995
1995 – 1996: Research and Development – Graeme and Jo-anne do desk-top research and trial formulae for evaluation of the programme
1996 – 1997: First Project K programmes trial in four diverse Auckland sites. Research and Evaluation team established
1999: First Community Partner established in Auckland (North Shore)
2000: Stars programme established and trialled in a South Auckland school. This becomes part of the Kaikohe Coalition – a coalition of HIPPY, Kiwi Can, Stars and Parenting with Confidence working together in Kaikohe. This initiative led to FYD’s Community Development Strategy (CDS) which is now being established in a number of communities throughout New Zealand.
The endowment fund, called the Graeme Dingle Foundation (GDF) is established
Programmes are established in the Waikato
2001: Hutt Valley – introduces programmes to the region
2002: Canterbury – introduces programmes to the region
2003: Foundation for Youth Development is established as an entity
2003: Hawke’s Bay – introduces programmes to the region
2004: Bay of Plenty – introduces programmes to the region
2006: Kiwi Can programmes in 13 communities are incorporated under the FYD umbrella.
Southland – introduces programmes to the region
2008: MYND programme is incorporated under the FYD umbrella
2011: Marlborough – FYD introduces programmes to the region
2012: MYND Sibling programme trialed.
Five Auckland trusts merged into one
2013: Career Navigator is launched
2015: We celebrate our 20th anniversary
2016: FYD becomes the Graeme Dingle Foundation
2017: Sir Graeme Dingle awarded a KNZM in the Queen’s Birthday honours.
Rotorua – introduces Kiwi Can to the region
2018: Kiwi Can online piloted
MYND Sibling renamed to Kiwi Tahi
Named Charity of Choice for New Zealand Rugby
2019: Over 270,000 kids reached since inception
2020: We celebrate 25 years of empowering Kiwi kids throughout Aotearoa
2024: Jo-anne Wilkinson awarded a CNZM in the King’s New Year Honours List.
Kaipara – introduces programme to the region
Sir Graeme Dingle launches new book: The Promise on One Tree Hill
2025: Celebrating 30 years of empowering young people across the motu