the links foundation
A Personal and Professional Commitment from Rodgers & Co
Our Connection to The Links Foundation
At Rodgers & Co, our support of The Links Foundation is deeply personal and firmly aligned with our values as a professional services firm.
The Foundation was established by a close group of friends – Barrie Coleman, John Small (one of the directors of Rodgers & Co), and long‑time golf mates Paul and Grant – whose relationships were formed and strengthened over many years through a shared love of golf and enduring friendship.
That friendship took on new meaning following the loss of Megan Coleman, Barrie’s wife and the mother of Jess, Katie and Georgia. Megan lived with mental illness for many years, and in 2022, at just 49 years of age, she tragically passed away.
Her passing had a profound impact not only on Barrie and his family, but also on those closest to them. As friends, we witnessed first‑hand the personal toll mental illness can take, and the lack of understanding and openness that often surrounds it.
Out of that shared experience came a collective decision to turn personal loss into purposeful action. The Links Foundation was formed to honour Megan’s legacy and to create greater awareness, encourage open conversation, and support meaningful mental health initiatives across Aotearoa.
Why This Matters to Rodgers & Co
For Rodgers & Co, involvement in The Links Foundation is not simply sponsorship or corporate association – it reflects who we are and what we stand for.
Mental health affects our clients, our colleagues, our families, and our wider community. Supporting an organisation founded on friendship, lived experience, and compassion aligns strongly with our belief that businesses should play a positive role beyond financial outcomes.
Our connection to The Links Foundation is grounded in genuine relationships, shared values, and a long‑term commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Purpose and Vision
The Links Foundation is a registered charitable trust dedicated to raising funds and awareness for mental health initiatives throughout New Zealand.
Golf provides the platform. It creates an environment that naturally encourages connection, reflection, and conversation – often allowing people to talk openly in ways they might not otherwise. Through organised events and nationwide initiatives, the Foundation uses this setting to reduce stigma and support organisations delivering practical, frontline mental health services.
Every event held and every dollar raised contributes directly to improving mental health outcomes within our communities.
An Inclusive and Practical Approach
While The Links Foundation has proudly partnered with organisations such as I Am Hope and Lads Without Labels, its support model remains intentionally inclusive and flexible.
From a Rodgers & Co perspective, this approach is critical. Mental health needs differ across communities, age groups, and circumstances. The Foundation supports initiatives that demonstrate real, tangible impact and align with its values, ensuring funds raised are directed where they can make the greatest difference.
A Nationwide Commitment We Are Proud to Support
Barrie Coleman’s Journey Across New Zealand Golf Courses
One of the most visible expressions of the Foundation’s purpose has been trustee Barrie Coleman’s commitment to play all 414 golf courses across New Zealand.
Over an 18‑month period, Barrie is travelling the country by campervan, averaging six rounds of golf per week. The initiative was about far more than golf – it was designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open discussion around mental wellbeing within local communities.
Throughout the journey, Barrie has met golfers from all walks of life, many of whom shared deeply personal experiences with mental health challenges. These conversations reinforced the importance of accessible support and the power of safe, informal spaces to talk.
At the conclusion of the journey, the campervan will be raffled, with proceeds contributing further to the mental health initiatives supported by The Links Foundation.
Measurable Community Impact
Since 2023, The Links Foundation has hosted three major charity golf events at Weedons Golf Club in Canterbury, raising more than $133,000 in support of mental health services across New Zealand.
What began as a small, personally driven initiative among friends has grown into a well‑established annual event, attracting strong community participation and ongoing sponsor support. These events now serve as a meaningful platform for fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement.
Rodgers & Co: Hands‑On, Values‑Led Support
Rodgers & Co’s involvement extends well beyond financial contribution or governance support.
Our team provides ongoing, practical assistance behind the scenes to help plan and deliver the Foundation’s key fundraising initiatives – particularly the annual charity golf tournament at Weedons Golf Club.
Staff contribute significant time and expertise in the lead‑up to each event, supporting administration, coordination, logistics, and preparation. On tournament days, our people are actively involved on the ground – assisting participants and sponsors, managing registrations, and helping ensure the day runs seamlessly.
This hands‑on involvement reflects our broader commitment to community, teamwork, and supporting causes that genuinely matter to us. The Foundation benefits not only from funding, but from the collective effort, professionalism, and goodwill of our team.
A Shared Legacy and Ongoing Commitment
The Links Foundation continues to expand its reach and impact, guided by strong relationships, clear purpose, and sound governance.
For Rodgers & Co, supporting the Foundation is a natural extension of long‑standing friendships, shared values, and a belief that meaningful change often begins with people willing to act.
The legacy of Megan Coleman remains central to the Foundation’s work – reflected in its commitment to compassion, connection, and creating lasting positive impact across Aotearoa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Links Foundation is a New Zealand charitable trust focused on raising awareness and funding for mental health initiatives throughout Aotearoa through community events and fundraising activities.
Rodgers & Co supports The Links Foundation because of long-standing personal relationships with its founders and a shared commitment to improving mental health awareness and support across New Zealand communities.
The Foundation raises funds through charity golf events, sponsorship initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and community engagement activities designed to support mental health organisations and services.
The Foundation has partnered with organisations including I Am Hope and Lads Without Labels, while maintaining a flexible support model that directs funding toward initiatives creating meaningful community impact.
Rodgers & Co provides practical support, governance involvement, fundraising assistance, event coordination, and ongoing community engagement to help deliver the Foundation’s initiatives and annual charity events.
Barrie Coleman is travelling across New Zealand playing all 414 golf courses nationwide to raise awareness for mental health, encourage open conversations, and support fundraising efforts for The Links Foundation.
