Who We Are.
Who is The Hodge Foundation?
At the heart of The Hodge Foundation is a simple belief: everyone needs a little help sometimes.
We are a family-based, not-for-profit organisation supporting individuals, families, and communities across Aotearoa. Our purpose is to empower people, strengthen communities, and inspire lasting change — by creating real opportunities and offering support that makes a genuine difference.
We exist for the dreamers, the doers, and the everyday New Zealanders who sit in the grey area, those who don’t always fit the boxes or qualify for help, yet are working hard and doing their best.
Our role is simple: to provide fair, practical financial support that helps people stay on their feet, not push them further under.
We believe small acts given at the right time, can change the direction of someone’s life.
How We Show Up.
Our support is:
Personal — tailored to real situations
Flexible — responding when life doesn’t fit neat categories
Grounded in compassion — led by empathy, not judgment
Whether it’s helping someone access life-changing medical care, keeping the lights on during a tough season, or backing a young athlete chasing their dream, we step in when it counts.
Our Roots.
From Cater Plus Foundation to The Hodge Foundation
The Foundation began as the Cater Plus Foundation, created to support staff and families connected to the Cater Plus community.
Over time, it became clear the need went far beyond one organisation. The challenges people were facing were universal — and so was the opportunity to help.
Becoming The Hodge Foundation allowed us to grow our reach while staying true to our original purpose: people helping people, without judgement.
A fresh identity but the same mission.
Our Story.
The spark that started it all
The Foundation was founded in 2012 by Paul Hodge, driven by a belief that the right support at the right time can change everything.
It started with noticing a pattern — good people stuck in tough situations, often one unexpected expense away from real hardship. The solution wasn’t charity that created dependency, but support that restored stability, dignity, and confidence.
That belief still guides everything we do today.
Driven by a simple yet powerful belief:
Quietly making a difference
At our heart, we’re a family-based foundation who simply want to make a difference for the misfits, the grey-area people, the hard-workers who keep going even when life makes it hard.
No noise.
No judgement.
Just support when it matters most.
Our core values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our actions, shape our culture, and define our commitment to making a positive impact.
Our Values.
Strong communities are the heartbeat of Aotearoa.
When people come together, to share, create, celebrate, and care — lasting change happens.
We stand alongside grassroots initiatives, local heroes, and bold ideas that bring people together and uplift entire communities.
From wellbeing projects and sports clubs to cultural celebrations and local initiatives, we back the ideas that grow connection and belonging.
Community at Our Core
Our Team.
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Paul Hodge
Founder & Chair Trustee
A visionary leader and the heart behind The Hodge Foundation, Paul has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. He leads with kindness, ensuring that the foundation stays true to its mission of creating lasting impact through small acts of support.
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Craig Johnson
Trustee
A practical, people‑focused trustee who’s been part of the foundation since day one. Craig brings hands‑on wisdom, community insight, and a big heart — always ready to help where it matters most.
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Tash Hodge
Trustee
A values‑driven trustee carrying the foundation’s heart into its future. Tash brings empathy, clarity, and a deep connection to the foundation’s roots, ensuring our work remains human, accessible, and grounded in kindness.
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Partnerships That Matter.
Partnerships are where our impact multiplies.
By working alongside organisations, charities, and businesses who share our values, we extend our reach and ensure every dollar — and every effort — creates meaningful, sustainable change.
To us, partnership is more than funding.
It’s about trust, shared purpose, and long-term impact.
