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Since 2017, Heartland Bank has been proud to stand alongside the InZone Education Foundation – a partnership built on shared values, impact, and a belief in the potential of rangatahi (youth) Māori and Pasifika. As part of this commitment, the Heartland Trust has contributed $100,000 for 2026, bringing Heartland’s overall contribution to over $1 million since 2017.

InZone is a registered charitable trust dedicated to inspiring and supporting Māori and Pasifika youth to take their place in the cultural, economic, and civic leadership of Aotearoa New Zealand. Their kaupapa (mission) centres on providing kāinga (hostels) that are in-zone for top-performing Auckland schools, including Epsom Girls Grammar and Auckland Boys Grammar, enabling students to access life‑changing educational opportunities that may otherwise sit out of reach due to zoning boundaries or financial barriers.

At InZone’s kāinga, students live and learn in a supportive whānau (family) environment grounded in Māori values. This environment fosters not just academic achievement, but confidence, identity, wellbeing and leadership – empowering these rangatahi to thrive.

A partnership that makes a difference

Through the Heartland Trust – a registered charitable trust that operates independently from but is closely supported by Heartland Bank – we’ve been able to contribute meaningfully to InZone’s kaupapa.

Funding from the Heartland Trust has supported InZone’s operational costs and the He Ringa Manaaki Fund, which provides fee relief for whānau experiencing financial hardship. This helps ensure rangatahi have what they need to succeed – academically, socially, culturally, and personally.

Jared Nordstrom, CEO, InZone Education Foundation said “Heartland Bank’s support has been transformational for our rangatahi. Their long-standing commitment has helped remove barriers for Māori and Pasifika students and enabled them to access opportunities that can change their lives. We are deeply grateful for Heartland’s genuine partnership – one that not only supports our kāinga but invests in the future leaders of Aotearoa.”

Each year, the Heartland team also look forward to the opportunity to share a meal with students and staff at the InZone kāinga. These evenings are always a highlight – a chance to hear students’ stories, celebrate their successes, and witness the bright futures they are building.

Heartland Bank’s summer internship programme, Manawa Ako, was established through Heartland Bank’s partnership with InZone and Heartland Bank continues to welcome InZone students to the programme each year.

Leanne Lazarus, CEO, Heartland Bank said, “Our partnership with InZone reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and supporting the next generation of leaders. We’re incredibly proud to support an organisation that creates equitable access to top‑tier education and empowers rangatahi to thrive.”

The Trust’s mission is to give back to the communities in which Heartland operates, helping Kiwis reach their potential through initiatives in education and learning, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing, and physical wellbeing and sport.

Looking ahead

Heartland Bank is honoured to continue supporting InZone as they grow the next generation of Māori and Pasifika leaders. Together, we are helping to ensure that more rangatahi can step confidently into their future, equipped with the tools, support, and belief to achieve their full potential.