Dr. Richards is an active supporter of the Tairawhiti Museum in Gisborne, and gives funds to support different aspects of the museum and its activities.

A major category of sponsorship involves funds to purchase examples of contemporary Maori art. These funds allow the museum to purchase one work every year from the annual exhibition of works by students in the Toihokura program at the Gisborne polytechnic.

Dr Richards also donates other works to add to the museum’s permanent collection. Recent donations include works by Sandy Adsett, Bay Riddell, Steve Gibbs, and Rongo Tuhura. He has made a substantial grant towards the cost of redesigning the entrance to the Tairawhit Museum.