Meet our charities

Following on from a very successful year in charity fundraising, Team NZ BLUE will be focusing on raising money for I AM HOPE, Inspire Foundation, through 2026. 

I AM HOPE

At I AM HOPE, the mission is simple yet wide-reaching: to help reshape attitudes towards mental health across Aotearoa and to give every young person the confidence to speak up.

Too many of our rangatahi wrestle with harsh self-talk and runaway thoughts that leave them feeling isolated.

When young people realise these thoughts are universal, they’re more willing to seek help. We show them they’re not alone and connect them with support.

Giving our Young Hope, as Advocates, as Friends and with Counsellors.

Over the past 10 years, I AM HOPE have spoken and listened to over 400,000 young people in schools from the top to the bottom of New Zealand.

They have created learning material for our youngest kids, trained struggling youth with barbering and barista courses, and enabled free counselling for over 40,000 young people.

When young people realise that self-doubt and over-thinking are common, they’re more likely to reach out for professional help sooner—both now and later in life.

To donate to I AM HOPE click here

INSPIRE FOUNDATION

The Inspire Foundation is a New Zealand-based charity focused on recognising and supporting talented young people aged 15–23.

Its mission is to help emerging individuals reach their full potential while fostering a strong sense of community responsibility. By investing early in promising talent, the Foundation aims to develop future leaders across a wide range of fields, including sport, arts, education, and science.

The Foundation provides financial assistance through grants and scholarships, helping recipients access opportunities such as training, travel, education, and personal development. These funds are designed to remove barriers and enable young people to pursue excellence in their chosen area, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Beyond financial support, the Inspire Foundation places a strong emphasis on personal growth, leadership, and well-being. Recipients are encouraged to build resilience, develop leadership skills, and engage with mentoring and educational opportunities that contribute to their overall development as well-rounded individuals.

A key principle of the Foundation is giving back. Grant and scholarship recipients are encouraged to use their skills and experiences to positively impact their communities, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and support. Through this approach, the Inspire Foundation not only helps individuals succeed but also strengthens communities across New Zealand.

To donate to Inspire Foundation click here

I-BUILT RACING

I-Built has been supporting cycling in New Zealand for a number of years - initially to provide young women with a pathway from school cycling to competitive tour racing. Past team members have included Jenna Merrick, Alicia Evans, Bryony Botha, and Ella Wylie - all of whom have represented New Zealand at the highest level. Bryony is now a current NZ Olympian and national record holder on the track, while Ella rides the World Tour with GreenEDGE Cycling.

I-Built is also the founding sponsor of the largest multi-day cycling tour in New Zealand. Established by Logan Townsend of the Auckland Schools Cycling Club, the I-Built Tour gives young riders - starting from Years 7 and 8 - the chance to experience the challenge and adventure of multi-day tour racing.

Following the success of the I-Built Tour, we created the I-Built Racing Development Team to give those young riders a platform to compete in one of New Zealand’s toughest stage races, the Tour of Southland. The team focuses on under‑23 riders, providing them with the experience to race against the nation’s best. This year marks our third appearance in Southland, where we’ve already earned strong results - including two second-places on Bluff Hill, a third in the team time trial, and, most recently, winning the Tour Leader’s Jersey, thanks to Tom Sexton’s victory.

At I-Built, we’re passionate about adventure, learning, and having fun. We love seeing young people grow into well‑rounded individuals who work hard, chase ambitious goals, handle setbacks with resilience, and celebrate their successes with humility.

To donate to I-BUILT click here