About the Foundation

We were created out of a tragedy where a successful and amazing friend, who had battled with mental health issues, took his own life. We want to enable others to get the help they need and help sports clubs to promote mental wellness.

Family and good friends joined hands to extend their love to Finn and to others facing mental health challenges. Through this foundation, we aim to bring the community together to promote wellness and mental health and to provide assistance to individuals with mental health issues in the water polo community.

Our community includes the North Harbour Water Polo Club and the wider water polo community.

The Foundation Objectives

To provide funding for community members who need professional help; to operate a wellness programme to promote dialogue and education on mental health in the water polo community; and to facilitate clinics and learning experiences for coaches, players and families (to help them best respond to approaches by players and/or recognise signs of people who are struggling).
To recognise courage and excellence by awarding The Finn Lowery Award on an annual basis

The Trustees of the Finn Lowery Foundation

Michael Buck
Affectionately known as Bucky, Michael has been a long-standing member of the North Harbour Water Polo Club. While he was an accomplished player himself, it was in his role as a coach that he particularly excelled. Hundreds of players have had the benefit of his expertise and mentoring over the years and the teams he has coached have always excelled. His leadership skills came to the fore around the time of Finn’s death where he provided support and guidance to those who were so affected. As well, as a Trustee Michael brings his financial skills and knowledge through his work with Westpac

Robbie Tindall
Robbie has had a long involvement with Water Polo as a player for both the National Team and the Club, and more recently as a coach for numerous age group North Harbour teams, school teams, and now his own daughters’ teams. He is a former team mate of Finn’s. Robbie is a Trustee of The Tindall Foundation, a family foundation established by his parents to help support charitable organisations throughout New Zealand. His experience and expertise in this area will assist the trustees in operating the Foundation with its own charitable purpose.

Sam Lowery
Sam is Finn’s eldest brother. Like Finn, Sam is a long-time member of North Harbour Water Polo Club and is passionate about the water polo community. Sam is a barrister who practises at Bankside Chambers in Auckland. Sam previously practised in New York and prosecuted war crimes in The Hague.

Jonny Clarke
Jonny met Finn when he was 10, was one of Finn’s best men at his wedding, and since his death has provided considerable emotional support to Finn’s widow and his family. Jonny has been a member of the North Harbour Water Polo Club for 19 years, a National representative for two countries and now a coach. Jonny brings to his role as Trustee his endless enthusiasm and exuberance and his unique networking ability.

Lynda Kearns
Despite being neither a player nor coach, Lynda has been involved in the Club for many years as an avid supporter of both her children who were themselves successful players. Lynda’s career as a successful family law barrister equips her as Chair of the Foundation. She is determined to work tirelessly to lead the Foundation’s work and ensure that in doing so Finn’s memory is honoured

The Trustees have been researching and reviewing appropriate wellness programme providers and crisis line support channels. Work will continue in these areas to ensure the most sustainable and effective options can be provided.