Kia ora koutou, greetings everyone.

We’re delighted to have achieved some very important milestones in the last few months, including our first Fund dedicated to impact in Marlborough, and reaching $7m Funds under management.

We’re also delighted with greater managed funds returns in the financial year to March 31, reversing a global trend for low returns the previous two years.  Craigs Investment Partners continue to support us manage a long term investment strategy, and a couple of ‘down years’ will always be something we have to see through on the way to a greater number of ‘up years’.

The best outcome from our ongoing growth plus solid 2023/24 investment returns will be a record amount for grants this year, in excess of $400,000 including pass through donations.  It’s incredible to reflect that 5 years ago in 2020 we distributed just $7,000.

On news around the Board table, I’m delighted to confirm Jane Peterson has joined us, based in Nelson / Tasman.  We’ll include a profile on Jane in a future newsletter.  We’d also like to thank Phil Smith for helping us build our presence and contact base in Golden Bay, and we wish him and his family all the very best with their move to Australia.  Phil will continue to provide remote support as he’s able.

We also have one more Trustee prospect in Nelson / Tasman to report on next time, however, we’re still looking to broaden our representation in Marlborough.   So if you or someone you know is willing and able to really roll their sleeves up for the incredible reward of doing something wonderful for that part of our region, please get in touch.

Our latest newsletter includes an EO update from Nettie discussing events and the pending grants round, impact stories from Project Jonah and Riding for the Disabled Motueka, links to both our and Tindall grants rounds, a save-the-date reminder for our 2024 AGM, and thanks to and updates from corporate supporters.  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]