Founded in August 1967 during the centennial celebration of Oakley Hospital, the Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation embarked on a pioneering mission – to raise $150,000 for mental health research – making it the first appeal of its kind in New Zealand. Over the years, generous support poured in through various donations and grants.
In 1986, a transformative milestone unfolded as the HA Tuck Estate injected substantial support into the Foundation. However, this boost presented a unique challenge – most of the bequest was tied up in shares of New Zealand and Australian companies. Demonstrating strategic foresight, the trustees made a decisive move in 1987, opting to liquidate these equities. This shrewd decision released an impressive sum of over $226,000, catapulting the Foundation’s ability to drive mental health research initiatives.
Despite generously granting over $800,000 to research projects since 1986, the Foundation’s assets have soared beyond expectation. By 1998, they had surged past the million-dollar mark, and today, they proudly stand at over $1.1 million—a living testament to the Foundation’s unwavering dedication to advancing mental health research. This dynamic journey signifies a commitment to progress, growth, and an enduring impact on the landscape of mental health.
Our Future
Today, the Whau Foundation is on a mission to grow the available funds to further support advancement and innovation in mental health.
