Kia ora koutou, greetings everyone.

As we approach our financial year end, Trustees are really pleased our investment portfolio, that was very well managed during a couple of challenging years for investors around the world, is now consistently valued in excess of $6m.  With new donor Funds continuing to be established we expect $7m is not that far away, and of course that means the ability to have even more impact.

Our new strategy for 2024-2026 is now in place with four major themes; be high performing, be well known / regarded, distribute for impact, and focus on growth.  It was also pleasing to extend our short-range strategic horizon just a little, from primarily one-year goals focussed on ‘getting our basics right’, to a slightly longer outlook that will help ensure we apply our realistic resources wisely.  We also took an opportunity to rethink our ‘mission statement’, with the old version being quite a mouthful.  i.e. “To support a strong, vibrant community by promoting and encouraging generosity in our community and matching that with causes that matter”.  We feel our current working draft is more succinct and focused; “Empowering donors and community groups to achieve sustainable, long-term impact”.

I believe the combination of a more meaningful level of funds, the freedom to extend our strategic horizon, and clarity on the aspiration to empower our communities for impact, suggests now would be a fantastic time for talented local governors who want to make a difference to join our Board table.  If you are someone or know someone who is willing and able to really roll their sleeves up for the incredible reward of doing something wonderful for the region, please get in touch.

Our latest newsletter includes an EO update from Nettie discussing events and growing relationships, an impact story from the NZ Nutrition Foundation, a profile on one of our regular donors and supporters Tanya McMurtrie and her support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a profile on our long-standing Platinum sponsor Signature Homes, a profile on new sponsor BlueBerry IT, and stories about / invites to important regional community events.  Please share the newsletter around!

A reminder, as always, to please consider how you might support causes you love yourself, by talking to Nettie or Kim or a Foundation Trustee, or donating via our website.

Ngā mihi, kind regards

Dave Ashcroft, Chair, [email protected]