People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we sit down with Rod Baxter, CEO of Kings Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore how the Trust is helping 17- to 30-year-olds build confidence, enterprise, and opportunity. Rod shares: * Why listening to young people is the starting point for meaningful change * The challenges young people face as traditional entry-level jobs disappear * How the Trust’s enterprise programme and Hikano seed funding scheme are sparking new ventures with a 94% survival rate * The importance of “radical collaboration” in New Zealand’s crowded non-profit sector * Inspiring stories of young entrepreneurs building businesses and giving back to their communities Kings Trust Aotearoa is part of a global network with roots in The Prince’s Trust, but its approach is uniquely local—grounded in the voices, aspirations, and realities of young people across Aotearoa. Tune in to hear Rod’s journey, his vision for youth development, and why purpose sits at the heart of lasting impact.

Tina McCafferty, CEO of Tōtara Hospice, talks with Purposely Podcast about the meaning of hospice care and the work her organisation does to support people across South and East Auckland. Tina shares her personal journey from Glasgow to leading one of New Zealand’s most inclusive hospices. She explains why hospice care is about more than medical treatment—it’s about respecting people’s wishes and helping them live well in their final days. She also discusses Tōtara Hospice’s role in navigating assisted dying laws, emphasising the importance of supporting people’s choices with respect and care. Most hospice care happens in people’s homes, with thousands of visits each year. Tina highlights how connection, compassion, and respect are at the heart of their work. The episode also covers the recent documentary Hospice Heroes, which brought honest stories from patients and families to a wider audience. Tina reflects on the impact of the show and the ongoing need for secure funding and fair pay for hospice staff. This conversation offers insight into the challenges and rewards of leading a hospice and shows why Tina believes hospice care deserves greater recognition and support in New Zealand. Listen to the episode: purposelypodcast.com [https://www.purposelypodcast.com] Learn more about Tōtara Hospice: totarahospice.co.nz

James Stewart, CEO of Home Capital Partners, joins Purposely Podcast to talk about housing, purpose-driven leadership, and creating pathways to home ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand. James shares how his team at Home Capital is working to address one of the country’s most urgent social issues: access to safe, secure, and affordable homes. The conversation explores the full housing continuum—from social housing to affordable rentals and ownership—and the real-world impact of helping families find stability and hope. James reflects on his personal journey, including formative experiences in Christchurch and international development, and how his faith and values now shape his leadership. He also speaks to the importance of balancing financial sustainability with mission, building strong partnerships, and designing housing models that serve communities long-term. Themes discussed: * The link between housing, health, and opportunity * Purpose and profit: why both matter * Faith and values in leadership * The power of patient capital and long-term thinking * Building homes, building hope Learn more about Home Capital Partners: https://homecapital.co.nz

Live from Changing Face of Philanthropy event in Auckland July This episode explores how corporate foundations can move beyond brand-building into genuine community impact. Ezekiel Raui shares how One NZ Foundation is unlocking corporate resources—from access to elite sports environments to financial expertise—for the benefit of community partners. He unpacks the “healthy tension” between purpose and profit, and how internal company culture plays a crucial role in sustaining philanthropic focus—even through economic pressure. Key insight? Real partnership isn’t transactional—it’s relational. Charities should align with funders who share their values, rather than chasing every opportunity. And, looking ahead, Ezekiel offers a bold alternative to traditional philanthropy: community-owned businesses with profits flowing back to the people, permanently. Big idea: Philanthropy at its best is not about giving back—it’s about sharing power.

In this episode of Purposely Podcast – People Inspired By Purpose, host Mark Longbottom is joined by Sydney Straver, founder and CEO of &BLOOM Sustainability, a values-led business supporting organisations on their sustainability journey. Sydney launched &BLOOM just two years ago in Aotearoa New Zealand with a clear belief: that business can and should create positive outcomes beyond profit. Since then, she’s been building a purpose-driven consultancy shaped by community, reflection, and a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Sydney shares how early support from friends and family helped her take the leap into entrepreneurship, and how she later sought professional mentoring and leadership training to grow the business in a more structured, intentional way. She talks about: * The realities of starting a values-led business from the ground up * Her evolving leadership style and learning journey * &BLOOM’s ambitions to work across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific * The importance of capability building and fair, inclusive approaches to sustainability * Why she believes values must guide both her business decisions and personal lifestyle Sydney also reflects on how her thinking has shifted over time—from questioning her own habits to embracing change through experience and conversation. &BLOOM is still early in its journey, but Sydney’s approach is thoughtful and grounded. She’s building a business that grows at a sustainable pace, with purpose at the centre of every decision. Listen now to hear how Sydney is helping others ‘ride the green wave’—and why she believes sustainability should be both inclusive and actionable. 👉 Visit &BLOOM Sustainability: https://www.bloomsustainability.co [https://www.bloomsustainability.co] Thanks to our sponsors Trust Investments https://trustinvestments.co.nz/