BNZ Foundation appoints new head to strengthen environmental and social impact

The BNZ Foundation has appointed Gerri Ward as its new head, bringing more than 20 years of experience across government, business and philanthropy, with a focus on sustainability, climate and impact-led change.

BNZ Foundation Trustee Simon Kwan said Ward joins the Foundation at an important point in its journey. “Since launching in 2022, the BNZ Foundation has supported organisations working to regenerate Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural environment and biodiversity and improve financial wellbeing.

“In that time, we have built strong partnerships and supported organisations including Live Ocean, The Nature Conservancy, Revive Our Gulf and Thriving Communities Aotearoa.

"As we look to what comes next, Gerri brings the leadership, experience and judgement to help build on that work and grow our impact,“ said Kwan.

Over the past year, Ward has led advisory work for a collective of philanthropic funders developing a coordinated giving strategy to restore the mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.

She has also supported the Centre for Strategic Philanthropy in its work unlocking pathways into entrepreneurship for young people.

Most recently, Ward has been programme director of the Recloaking Papatūānuku initiative with WWF New Zealand.

Previously she has held senior leadership roles at EY (director, climate change and sustainability services), Z Energy (head of sustainability and community) and Oxygen Consulting. She has also worked in central government at the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation.

Kwan said Ward brings the kind of experience the BNZ Foundation needs as it accelerates its work.

“Gerri knows how to bring together the right people and has the expertise and ideas to turn ambition into action.

“That will help the BNZ Foundation back more of the people and organisations best placed to make a real difference.”

Ward said having already worked alongside the BNZ Foundation in previous positions, she has seen first-hand the enabling role it can play.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with the BNZ Foundation and other funders on the philanthropic giving strategy for the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.

“That work has given me a deep appreciation of the BNZ Foundation’s aspirations, its commitment to measurable impact, and its willingness to engage deeply with communities, experts and iwi to understand what enduring and sustainable change requires.

“I look forward to supporting the organisations the BNZ Foundation is already backing and working alongside partners and communities to help that work go further,” she said.

Ward will start her role as head of the BNZ Foundation on 27 April.

Re-disseminated by Wealth and Society