People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

Welcoming Arian Ataie and Dion McDougall to the Purposely Podcast—two of the driving forces behind dmtr, a volunteer-led organisation working to end hunger by backing local solutions to food system challenges.Arian and Dion come from different parts of the world and different professional backgrounds, but they share a clear goal: to support the people and ideas creating long-term change in communities facing food insecurity. They believe that real progress comes not from top-down aid, but from empowering local entrepreneurs and changemakers with the tools, funding, and support they need to thrive.Their work through dmtr brings together global finance experience and grassroots insight. Arian draws on a mix of frontline experience in food banks and international research into hunger tech. Dion focuses on open data, systems change, and practical innovation at the community level. Together, they’ve created a model that blends financial know-how with a deep commitment to social impact.dmtr is still in its early stages—run entirely by volunteers—but the ambition is big. Arian and Dion hope to grow the organisation to a point where it can employ staff and expand its reach, helping more social enterprises and food innovators around the world.Running a global organisation from different time zones isn’t easy. Arian is now based in the UK and Dion in Jordan, with limited crossover in their working hours. But they’ve built a rhythm that works—making steady progress independently and meeting regularly to check in, share updates, and keep each other moving forward.They also co-host the Social AgTech Podcast, where they talk with others working at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and social impact. It’s become a key part of their mission—educating, connecting, and shining a light on people and projects tackling hunger in new and creative ways.Throughout the episode, Arian and Dion spoke openly about the personal side of this work. For Arian, it’s been a chance to reconnect with inspiring people from his past and build new relationships through shared purpose. For Dion, it’s been a reminder that there are many others out there trying to build a fairer, more sustainable world—and that finding them is a reward in itself.Their story is about more than just ending hunger. It’s about collaboration, trust, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Even with a small team and limited resources, Arian and Dion are proving that thoughtful, community-focused work can have a real impact.🎧 Listen to the episode now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks to our sponsor, Trust Investments NZ.#SocialImpact #FoodSystems #EndHunger #SocialAgTech #Innovation #Philanthropy #Podcast #PurposeDriven

Purposely SHORT with Martin RohnerExecutive Director, Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)What if your bank did more than just hold your money?In this SHORT, Martin explains how values-based banks differ from the mainstream—and why intentional, community-grounded finance matters now more than ever.From microfinance in the Global South to renewable energy in the North, he makes the case for finance that puts purpose before profit—and why that doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.“We’re not trying to be values-based for competitiveness. We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do—and that’s what gives us strength in the market.”🎧 Listen to the full Purposely Short episode and learn why the future of banking may look a lot more like its past.#BankingOnValues #FinanceForGood #PurposeDrivenFinance #MartinRohner #PurposelyPodcast #GABV #ImpactBanking

The Changing Face of Philanthropy – Impact Lunch HighlightsIn this special live-recorded episode of Purposely, we take you inside our recent Impact Lunch at The Grid in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, where 50 PLUS leaders from across Aotearoa’s charity, philanthropy, and investment sectors came together to explore the future of giving.Host Mark Longbottom is joined by three returning guests—Lani Evans MNZM, Ezekiel (Zeek) Raui, and Izzy Horrocks—for a thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversation on the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Aotearoa. From community-led approaches to corporate and venture philanthropy, this kōrero unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and bold ideas shaping how we give.We also hear a powerful mihi and welcome from Dale Corlett, CEO of Script to Screen, who grounds the conversation in te ao Māori values and reminds us that true impact starts with people and relationships.In this episode:Corporate foundations as true community partners What it takes to grow and fund social innovation The power of participatory philanthropy and shifting decision-making to communitiesHonest reflections on competition, collaboration, and redefining success in the sectorVenture philanthropyFeatured Guests:Lani Evans MNZM – Co-Founder of FundsorterEzekiel Raui – Head of the One New Zealand FoundationIzzy Horrocks – CEO and Co-Founder, Aotearoa Lifecourse FundDale Corlett – CEO, Script to ScreenSupported by:This episode and event were proudly supported by Trust Management NZ and Trust Investments NZ.🔗 Follow PurposelyNever miss an episode—subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite app. Visit purposelypodcast.com for more inspiring conversations with people leading with purpose.

A really warm welcome to Purposely SHORT—short, as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their insights on a focused topic to help you deliver on your charitable mission.In this episode, Dean Hegarty reflects on a critical tipping point for New Zealand’s financial system and the broader responsible investment movement. With clarity and urgency, he makes the case for lifting both financial literacy and long-term capital investment—especially through mechanisms like KiwiSaver—and learning from Australia’s success with superannuation.Dean shares why investing responsibly isn’t just the right thing to do anymore—it’s the smart thing to do. From renewables to affordable housing, he highlights the opportunity (and obligation) to remove barriers, scale impact, and align capital with a sustainable and equitable future for all New Zealanders.A big thanks to our sponsors Trust Investments

In partnership with Science AllianceWe’re pleased to welcome Dr Jacqueline Orian, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, to a conversation exploring her work on a new approach to autoimmune disease—along with the habits and values that help sustain a career in scientific research.While medical research is often associated with labs and data, Dr Orian sees value in slowing down and stepping outside. A long walk across campus or a quiet moment among La Trobe’s gardens is part of her routine. “Walks are very important,” she says. “Smelling the flowers, taking the long way between buildings—it’s important to make time for that.”Even with a daily forty-minute commute, she finds time for reading, crafts, and music. While she sometimes works from home—especially for virtual interviews—she prefers the pace and energy of the lab, where she works alongside students and colleagues on new ideas and experiments.Her current research focuses on platelets, the small blood cells known for their role in clotting. But her team has uncovered evidence that platelets are also involved in the progression of autoimmune diseases—conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.In MS, current treatments can slow disease progression, but they often suppress the immune system more broadly. This makes patients more susceptible to infections and can come with other side effects.Dr Orian is working on a more targeted alternative. Rather than suppressing the whole immune system, her aim is to modulate the role of platelets, reducing their contribution to damaging immune responses without compromising overall immune function. “Blocking a process is a bit of a sledgehammer approach,” she explains. “We’re aiming for something more precise.”Her goal is to develop a platelet-targeting drug that limits tissue damage and slows or prevents disease progression. Within the next two years, she hopes to identify a promising molecule and generate early proof-of-concept data. If successful, this could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for MS and potentially other autoimmune conditions.This research also has implications beyond MS. Because platelets are involved in various immune pathways, there may be opportunities to apply this approach to a broader range of immune and neurological disorders.Dr Orian shares her findings through international conferences and collaborative networks, helping her team’s work reach researchers in other disciplines. “There’s a lot of opportunity for conferences,” she says. “It’s where knowledge is tested and shared.”Mentorship is another key part of her role. She works closely with students in the lab, encouraging them to contribute ideas and take ownership of their research. “Their curiosity fuels mine,” she says—highlighting the value of working in an environment that supports learning and shared progress.Dr Jacqueline Orian’s work is part of a growing effort to move beyond one-size-fits-all treatments and toward more tailored, precise solutions for complex diseases. With a combination of scientific focus and a commitment to thoughtful, balanced work, she is helping shape the next generation of research in autoimmune health.

Welcoming Martin Rohner, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), to Purposely Podcast to share how finance—when aligned with purpose—can drive lasting, positive change for people and the planet.Martin and his team lead a global network of independent banks committed to using money to support social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. His role takes him to communities around the world, from Europe to Africa, where he sees first-hand how values-based banking is creating real-world impact.During a recent trip, he reflected on his time in Uganda—where, despite global pressures like inflation and food insecurity, he encountered a nation full of energy and possibility. “It was energising to see what’s possible when access to finance supports resilience and growth,” he said.Martin explained that values-based banks don’t see finance as neutral. Every dollar—whether saved, spent, or invested—has an impact. These banks choose to channel capital into organisations and projects that contribute to a healthier environment and stronger communities.He encouraged individuals to consider the role their money plays. “Where your money sits matters,” he said. “It’s not just earning interest—it’s shaping the future.”Today, values-based banks operate in more than 44 countries. For anyone looking to make a shift, Martin suggests starting by learning more—whether it’s switching to a local mutual or using resources like gabbv.org to find mission-aligned options.He also addressed common concerns around financial returns. “If a system delivers strong returns but leaves people hungry or the climate in crisis, that’s not success,” he said. “Good finance creates long-term value—for people, communities, and ecosystems.”Martin shared a compelling example: building design. Constructing a building with sustainability in mind can deliver decades of positive impact—reducing emissions, lowering costs, and improving wellbeing. “But if we build only for short-term gain, the harm can last for generations.”His message is clear: finance has the power to either reinforce harmful systems or support transformation. The values-based banking movement shows that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand—and that money, used wisely, can shape a better future.

A warm welcome to Purposely SHORT, short as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission.This week, Shaun Greaves, CEO of Presbyterian Support Northern, shares his refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, self-awareness, and staying future-focused in a changing sector. Shaun talks about rejecting one-size-fits-all ideas of success, instead shaping a rhythm that plays to his strengths. He reflects on the value of coaching, the loneliness of leadership, and why adaptability is key to both personal resilience and organisational relevance. He also shares his drive for social justice and why he believes charities, like PSN, must evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow.

Dean Hegarty became Co-CEO of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) to help grow the role investment plays in tackling social and environmental challenges. As the first New Zealand-based CEO of the organisation, he brings a different viewpoint-shaped by his background outside traditional finance and by a strong belief in collaboration. Alongside Co-CEO Estelle Parker, Hegarty is helping to lead RIAA’s mission across both sides of the Tasman through a model of shared leadership that values trust, transparency, and purpose.RIAA represents a broad membership base of asset owners, fund managers, advisers, and others committed to using capital as a force for positive change. The association sets standards, influences policy, and supports investment practices that account for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.For Hegarty, responsible investment is about more than avoiding harm—it’s about enabling capital to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future. He sees the sector at a pivotal moment, with ESG no longer on the margins but increasingly part of mainstream investment decisions. As renewable energy becomes more affordable and social pressures mount, investors are paying closer attention to long-term value and societal impact.“Responsible investment has shifted from being the right thing to do, to also being the smart thing to do,” Hegarty notes. But he’s quick to point out that momentum alone isn’t enough. “There are still barriers preventing capital from reaching the projects and communities that need it most.”As someone who came into the investment world relatively recently, Hegarty speaks openly about his learning curve—supported by mentors and colleagues willing to share their knowledge. Based in Queenstown, he leads RIAA’s New Zealand efforts and contributes to its trans-Tasman presence. His location has required adaptability and clear communication, particularly when it comes to staying connected with the Melbourne-based team.The decision to adopt a Co-CEO model was a deliberate move by RIAA. Hegarty and Parker bring complementary strengths: Parker with her background in diplomacy and public policy, and Hegarty with a values-led, mission-oriented approach shaped by his experience in New Zealand’s sustainability and business communities. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to the organisation’s purpose.While co-leadership can present challenges—especially across time zones and geographies—Hegarty sees its benefits clearly. “Two perspectives allow us to make better decisions. We each bring different questions to the table, which helps test our thinking and improve outcomes.”The arrangement also enables deeper engagement across both Australia and New Zealand, two markets with distinct regulatory settings and investment landscapes. RIAA’s growing influence in both jurisdictions benefits from having visible leadership on the ground in each.Looking ahead, Hegarty wants to see responsible investment become more inclusive. He believes that improving financial literacy and access- especially through mechanisms like KiwiSaver—will help grow the pool of capital directed toward positive outcomes. He describes responsible investment as a spectrum, with approaches ranging from avoiding harm to actively investing in solutions, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and infrastructure.Ultimately, Hegarty’s focus is on creating the conditions where more capital can flow to where it’s needed most. “If we want investment to serve the future-not just the present- we need to make it easier for good money to find good outcomes.”Through his leadership at RIAA, Dean Hegarty is helping shift how the investment sector sees its role in society—not as separate from social and environmental challenges, but as a vital part of the solution.

Jenny Horst, Chief Executive at Upside Mentoring Aotearoa, joined Purposely Podcast to talk about the pressures facing young people in Aotearoa—and how mentoring can help build stability and confidence in uncertain times.She spoke about the challenges of leading a charity as economic uncertainty puts more pressure on funding and growth plans. Despite this, the focus remains clear: supporting consistent, safe mentoring relationships that help young people build emotional strength and a sense of belonging.Jenny emphasised that youth mentoring—when done well—is a practical, cost-effective approach that leads to better outcomes in education, mental and physical health, and resilience.The statistics she shared paint a stark picture. New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the OECD. One in five young people are experiencing serious mental health challenges. Fewer than half are regularly attending school. Meanwhile, Upside Mentoring’s work is showing meaningful results. Independent analysis suggests that every dollar invested delivers $4.70 in social value.Jenny also spoke about the influence of online content on young people—especially boys aged 9 to 13—who are increasingly exposed to harmful messages online. Upside’s mentoring programme supports young people to think critically about the messages they see and helps them develop their own values and sense of identity.Looking ahead, Upside is continuing to extend the reach of its mentoring programme—including through partnerships with organisations embedding Upside’s mentoring model into their own mahi. Building long-term partnerships—with funders and community groups alike—will be essential to this next stage.A key thread in Jenny’s message is the power of connection: strong, trusting relationships between mentors and young people can shift lives in lasting ways. Supporting youth isn’t the job of one person or organisation—it requires shared commitment. Whether through funding, volunteering, or partnership, we all have a role to play in helping the next generation grow, thrive, and feel they belong.

A warm welcome to Purposely SHORT, short as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission.This week, Gwen Green, General Manager – Engagement & Fundraising at Blind Low Vision New Zealand, shares her perspective on dismantling silos and embracing a whole-of-organisation approach to delivering impact. She reflects on the importance of every team—whether fundraising, finance, or HR—seeing themselves as equal contributors to the mission. Gwen also talks candidly about her leadership journey, from early missteps to a more intentional and people-centred style that values communication, collaboration, and playing to your team’s strengths.