Our Legacy
From Cater Plus Foundation to The Hodge Foundation
The Hodge Foundation’s story began in 2012 with the establishment of the Cater Plus Foundation — a small initiative rooted in care, connection, and a genuine desire to support people when they needed it most.
What started simply, grew organically. Over time, the Cater Plus Foundation became a trusted source of practical support for individuals, families, and communities across Aotearoa — responding to real needs with empathy, flexibility, and heart.
Throughout the years, we’ve proudly supported causes that strengthen wellbeing, belonging, and opportunity. From sponsoring the Melville Women’s Rugby Team, to standing alongside initiatives such as SANDS NZ, Steptember, Pink Shirt Day, and Gumboot Friday — we’ve backed both national causes and countless local initiatives that bring people together and uplift communities.
One of our most impactful early programmes was Cater Saver — a simple but powerful savings scheme created for Cater Plus staff. For many who were living week to week, it marked the first time they experienced the security and confidence that comes from having savings of their own. Hundreds of people built financial resilience through this initiative, reinforcing a belief that continues to guide us today: sometimes the smallest tools create the biggest shifts.
These moments — both big and small — shaped the heart of who we are.
As the Foundation evolved, so too did our vision. Becoming The Hodge Foundation represents the next chapter of this journey — one that honours where we’ve come from while allowing us to grow our reach, deepen partnerships, and support even more people and communities across Aotearoa.
While our name has changed, our values have not.
Today, The Hodge Foundation carries forward the same belief that has guided us from the beginning: that practical, timely support — given with dignity and trust — can change the direction of someone’s life.
Our roots remain firmly grounded in the spirit of Cater Plus. Our future is guided by kindness, strengthened by community, and driven by a shared commitment to making a real and lasting difference.