Why good governance is our First Foundation

Points of transition are often good times for reflection.

Several months ago, Sarah Coleman stepped away from her governance role with First Foundation. I want to acknowledge the clarity, challenge, and depth she brought to our board table. Her curiosity, courage in debate, and unwavering respect for process made a lasting mark.

"She brought diverse perspectives, asked the questions that needed to be asked, and helped us think differently. Crucially, no matter where the debate landed, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the board and team to own the outcome.” Kirk Sargent

Sarah exemplified what we value in our trustees: thoughtfulness, commitment, and a forward view. Her departure prompted wider reflection about the strength and role of governance in our journey.

Our board isn't ceremonial; it’s engaged. Conversations around our table can be robust, and that’s intentional. What we cultivate is healthy tension, not conflict: diverse perspectives, roles, and lived experiences, brought together with respect and a shared belief in our mission. That tension shapes better thinking, better strategy, and better outcomes.

To enhance our governance effectiveness, we’ve proactively embraced technology. Recognising the importance of data-driven decision-making, our board approved strategic investments in digital solutions. We transitioned our board operations to a virtual platform using BoardPro, significantly improving document management, collaboration, and communication. Our finance and operational reporting also shifted to digital platforms, ensuring real-time data availability and enabling responsive, informed governance.

Our investment extends into data visualisation. We understood that simply providing numbers wasn’t enough, our trustees needed actionable insights. Collaborating closely with our accountants and the board, we continuously refine our monthly performance reports, employing data visualisation to clarify complex information, thus transforming raw numbers into strategic clarity.

Real-time dashboards now underpin management decision-making, with data flowing seamlessly and transparently to our board. This approach allows both management and trustees to respond swiftly and strategically to emerging opportunities and risks.

Succession planning is integral to our governance approach. It’s not just about continuity, it’s about clarity. We’re intentional about the skills, perspectives, and lived experience we need at the board table to meet the moment we’re in, and prepare for what’s next. That includes having an alumni voice on the board—a real role that ensures we hear directly from those who’ve lived the First Foundation journey. More broadly, it ensures our governance reflects both the evolving needs of our organisation and the communities we serve. It’s a deliberate strategy to stay relevant, forward-focused, and fit for purpose.

We also place high importance on ethical governance. Conflicts of interest are actively managed, transparency is expected, and trust, both internally and externally, is treated as a strategic asset. This approach allows both management and trustees to respond swiftly and strategically to emerging opportunities and risks.

Our board is executing an ambitious five-year strategy aimed at reaching an additional 900 young people, their families, and communities. The potential return to New Zealand, estimated at over $1 billion in additional lifetime earnings, is significant. Achieving this goal demands excellence at every level, and that excellence begins with governance.

Since 1998, First Foundation has navigated the highs and lows intrinsic to the not-for-profit sector. When we’ve grown through challenge, strong governance has been a constant, helping us adapt, stretch, and remain steady.

Today, our board remains committed to building an enduring legacy, positioning First Foundation to transform lives, families, and communities for generations. We believe New Zealand thrives when every young person has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they start.

That belief is core to who we are, and it's what drives every decision at our board table. Because when governance is done well, it doesn’t just protect the organisation, it propels it forward, unlocking greater impact for the people and communities we serve.

🔗 Meet our people: https://firstfoundation.org.nz/about-us/our-people