Name change for youth foundation

The Foundation of Youth Development, which operates Kiwi Can and Project K in the Bay, is now known as the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

The child and youth organisation changed its name in tribute to its co-founder, philanthropist and adventurer Graeme Dingle (ONZME MBE).

The official launch was hosted by the deputy Prime Minister Bill English at Parliament on Tuesday, an even which also marked the charity's 21st birthday.

Graeme Dingle Foundation Bay of Plenty Chair Christine Ralph said though the organisation had a new name, the people, purpose and programmes would remain the same.

"Graeme has dedicated the last 45 years of his life to serving our young people [having established the Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand in 1972] and this is our way of acknowledging Graeme's incredible contribution to New Zealand in a significant year.

"Twenty-one years is a huge milestone for our organisation and we will now look to the future by pledging to redouble our efforts to change the lives of 50,000 young people in New Zealand every year by 2025," Ms Ralph said.