Setting solid foundations that last is a daily operation in more ways than one for Hawke’s Bay Foundation and its newest corporate sponsor.

Laying concrete is a specialty that Mike Teddy and his team at MPT Concrete take very seriously, and he agrees the synergy partnering with Hawke’s Bay Foundation is nicely symbolic.

“Like anything you build, if you want it to last and sustain all elements, it’s all in the preparation. Whether we’re talking concrete foundations or Community Foundations building vital regional endowment funds, the structure and integrity are the same. Aligning with Hawke’s Bay Foundation, who are as passionate about investing in our region as I am, feels like a natural fit.”

MPT Concrete Services has been operating in Hawke’s Bay for over eighteen years. With longevity, comes growing recognition and Mike Teddy is proud to support his community in any way he can.

“By giving to Hawke’s Bay Foundation we know that the investment is protected for future generations along with helping community groups, sharing the earnings derived from that investment. It’s a smart model.”

In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, Puketapu local Mike and his team swung into action working around the clock to help locals reestablish some sort of normality.

“We cleared access ways to people’s garages and homes so that they could start to clean things up and assisted with keeping diesel flowing to machinery so that the work could continue and minimise delays. I can’t stress enough that people’s willingness to help was enormous whether it was providing food, clean clothes or something as simple as a hug. Hawke’s Bay really pulled together over this time of great need and because of that it is an honour for MPT Concrete to give back to our local community.”

Hawke’s Bay Foundation Executive Officer and fellow Puketapu local, Amy Bowkett is thankful for ‘good sorts’ like Mike.

“Having local businesses like Mike’s support our administrative costs is absolutely vital to any Community Foundation. We are a small and dedicated team who work extremely hard to deliver funding to our local charities on a very small budget. Without this donation from MPT Concrete we would be less able to work to grow our total endowment fund.

“During the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, Mike and the team worked incredibly hard to help locals recover from the devastation. It’s not surprising Mike’s generosity was recognised with a Civic award by Napier City Council.”

Awards aside, Mike Teddy is a humble ‘Kiwi bloke’ doing his bit to help others in need. Over the past twelve months MPT Concrete have proudly donated or sponsored more than $15,000 to support: local charities, schools, sports teams and individuals. The majority of this sponsorship aims to support young people’s personal growth.

As Mike affirms, that’s what being proudly parochial means.

“MPT Concrete is a Hawke’s Bay family business and will be for years to come, so, like Hawke’s Bay Foundation, we want to be part of building a financial legacy to support our community and its people.”