Kia ora koutou, greetings everyone.

This month we farewell Gavin as Executive Officer as he takes on a new role in England, and we welcome him as our first International Ambassador 😊  We wish him every success with Warwickshire County Cricket, and both him and Karen a wonderful time in the next step in their journey.

Gavin has been instrumental in the growth of reach and impact for your Foundation, though Foundation Trustees are confident good governance has also played a key part in that growth.  We continue to look to add further strength around the Board table – particularly to increase our geographic reach into Marlborough and Golden Bay.  If you or anyone you know would like to know more about becoming a Trustee please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

We’re of course also actively recruiting for a new Executive Officer, and plan to have the role filled in the very near future.

In defining Foundation needs of the EO role we’ve adopted a phrase ‘to unlock philanthropic potential’, and Community Foundations across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world know the untapped potential is massive.  Sometimes unlocking that potential needs a little push, and we continue to work with Clifton Terrace School who have a donor willing to add $50,000 to their endowment fund if that can be matched across the community.  This is a great opportunity to see every dollar you donate generate a second dollar immediately!  Please get in touch or donate via our website.  You can select your fund and choose to remain anonymous if that’s your preference. https://www.topsouthfoundation.org.nz/donate/.

In the meantime we look forward to another year of growth for your Foundation.  Our newsletter covers comments from Governor General The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, links to a fabulous video from Nathan Fa’avae, information from our investment portfolio manager Craigs Investment Partners, a fundraising initiative update, and information on our 2023 grants round.  Please share the newsletter around!

Ngā mihi, kind regards

Dave Ashcroft, Chair, [email protected]