Who we are
The Yondi Foundation was founded by Audrey Kyle, Chiara Anderson and Geoffrey Robinson in memory of Audrey and Earl Kyle, who were Chiara’s great aunt and uncle and Geoff’s godparents. Audrey, affectionately known as “Aunty Audrey” to those who knew her, and Earl shared a deep passion for animal and humanitarian welfare around the world. They spent their lives supporting various worthy causes and charitable organisations.
Yondi, their beloved pet monkey, a Guenan Greater Spot Nose Monkey, held a special place in their hearts. They had rescued her as a baby and raised her as their own child since they were unable to have children of their own. Yondi travelled with them on many adventures around the world – something that would be impossible today.
Following Earl’s passing in May 2016, Audrey took time to reflect on their shared life, passions, and adventures. She expressed a strong desire to create an enduring legacy that would reflect their deep commitment to the welfare of animals and people. However, Audrey soon became unwell and passed away in May 2017, just one year and four days after Earl.
In response to her wish, the Yondi Foundation Charitable Trust was formed in 2019 by Chiara and Geoff. And so, Audrey’s vision of supporting animal and humanitarian welfare in New Zealand and beyond continues today.
Yondi Foundation Members
Chiara Anderson
Founder | Director
I was born in Rome, Italy in 1984 and have been living in New Zealand since I was four. I’ve enjoyed different job roles, from project manager to art director for a children’s TV show, to being a communications advisor which is the role I am currently in now.
I’m married to Hamish, and we are proud parents to two great girls Minnie and Agnes. We strive to keep bi-culturalism alive in our home so that our girls stay closely connected to their cousins and our family in Italy. There’s nothing we love more than travelling as a family and making memories together.
My great Aunty Audrey was a strong, caring woman with a real zest for life and people. She had one of those wicked laughs that brought a smile to your face and that you could hear from a mile away! She loved telling stories about her and Earl’s adventures, and we all absolutely loved listening to her and the incredible tales she told.
Aunty Audrey loved any excuse to dress up and throw a themed party for her friends and family, no matter where she was in the world – something that I love doing, too.
In her final months, when she knew she wouldn’t be able to travel again, she created a bucket list of international cuisines and each week we would share a meal from a different country- from Italian, Japanese, Chinese to Moroccan! I’m honoured to be continuing Aunty Audrey’s legacy through the Yondi Foundation.
Geoffrey Robinson
Founder | Director
I was born in New Zealand in 1962, and I’m the godson of Audrey and Earl Kyle. After a long and challenging career as a boatbuilder, I recently retired. I’ve been married to my soulmate Toni for 32 years, and we have two wonderful, caring, and loving grown-up sons who share our passion for animals and people.
My family and I absolutely love spending time in the great outdoors, going boating, camping, and exploring. We value our family time above all else, and we love to see new parts of the world whenever we can.
I feel incredibly privileged and proud to be able to continue Aunty Audrey and Earl’s legacy through the Yondi Foundation, alongside my fellow trustees. While our contributions may seem small in the context of worldwide issues, I’m grateful that we can make a positive impact on humanity and animal welfare.
Maria Fresia
Trustee
Originally from Rome, Italy, I arrived in Christchurch in 1988 with my then Kiwi husband. It was then that I met Earl and Aunty Audrey, and we formed a close bond that lasted over 30 years.
As I don’t have my extended family here in New Zealand, I deeply appreciated the love, friendship, kindness, and generosity that Aunty Audrey and Earl offered not just to me, but also to my children. Their presence enriched my life in countless ways.
I’m truly honoured to have been asked by my daughter Chiara to become a trustee of the Yondi Foundation, and to help carry on the legacy that Audrey and Earl began so many years ago.
Matthew Robinson
Trustee
I was born in Christchurch in 1995, and my father is Geoff Robinson, co-director of Yondi. To me, Audrey and Earl were like a great aunt and uncle, and I idolised them from a young age, especially because of the stories they told of their travels and adventures.
I run a sign-writing business with my brother. I’m also a SCUBA diving instructor, teaching others to become instructors themselves. My partner and I share a love for SCUBA diving and everything under the ocean, as well as a passion for the outdoors and all creatures that inhabit our world.
Audrey and Earl’s tales of their travels and adventures, and the way they lived their lives, inspired my love for nature and the environment. I feel incredibly privileged to carry on their legacy through the Yondi Foundation and to contribute to the welfare of animals and humanity in their name.
About Audrey and Earl Kyle, written by Joy Hannah (Audrey’s best friend)
Audrey and Earl Kyle’s extraordinary journey began with Audrey’s determined ambition to explore the world after leaving Christchurch Girls High School. Limiting romantic involvements to three dates at most so there was little chance of getting serious with someone, Audrey focused on frugal living – biking, picnicking, and embracing a beach lifestyle to save for her global adventures. In Sydney, she encountered Earl just a week after her departure. A swift romance ensued, leading to their engagement by the time they reached Fiji, perfectly matched in their aspirations for extensive travel. They married in 1960, working various temporary jobs to fund their exploration of Canada and the USA before Earl’s employment at Motorola.
Earl’s brilliance in electronics led to significant career developments, including work for the United Nations in Africa, where they discovered Yondi, a monkey (their only child) who profoundly impacted their lives. Audrey and Earl returned home for a period of time to build their Cashmere home, hoping one day to bring Yondi back with them. However sadly this was never able to eventuate, and Yondi’s situation kept them overseas for many years.
Audrey, unable to secure work visas, thrived in organising social events for UN expatriates, showcasing her magnetism and dedication. Their travels included the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Europe and regular returns to their homes in Christchurch (NZ), Golden Bay (NZ), and Arizona (USA), enjoying all aspects of three totally different lifestyles.
Tragically, Yondi’s illness led to her passing just before their departure from Chicago. Earl, a man both frugal and generous, enjoyed their old rickety car, while the new Mercedes sat in the garage. He deeply cared for an African family and dedicated time to teach them essential skills, such as building windmills, growing vegetables and helped ensure their children had food, clothing and went to school.
Earl’s health declined in 2015, and Audrey lovingly cared for him until his passing in May 2016. Audrey had dreams of relaxation and travel with her lifelong friend Joy, but Earl’s illness took a toll.
While tidying up their affairs in Arizona, Audrey herself fell ill and upon her return to New Zealand was diagnosed with cancer. Her health continued to deteriorate, and she never got to fulfil her dreams. Audrey passed away in May 2017, which was devastating for Audrey, and her family, and many friends.
From her hospital bed, Audrey, along with her godson Geoffrey and great-niece Chiara, established the Yondi Foundation, directing Audrey and Earl’s lifelong savings to support animal and human welfare globally. The Foundation, now managed by Geoff, Chiara, and fellow Trustees, focuses on causes dear to Audrey and Earl’s hearts: kidney failure, cancer, underprivileged children, and animal welfare. The legacy lives on, honouring their deep love and commitment to making a positive impact worldwide.
If your organisation’s work aligns with our focus areas, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss funding, donations, sponsorship, or partnership opportunities.
Contact UsGeoffrey Robinson
geoff@yondifoundation.co.nzChiara Anderson
chiara@yondifoundation.co.nz