Kia ora koutou, greetings everyone. 

As I began to draft this note I reviewed what I last wrote in June, that included reaching an important milestone of $7m Funds under management.  Today that number is $8.8m.  And in that context I reflect on the significant contributions of Bill Agnew and Nick Moore, who both recently retired as Trustees having served the two four-year terms permitted under our constitution.  In July 2016 when they were both appointed our Funds under management were $47,000.  They sure have seen some growth!  I sincerely thank them both for their amazing support over the years. 

On other news around the Board table, I’m delighted to now welcome Bill Rainey, based in Nelson / Tasman.  He joins Jane Peterson as our newest Trustees, and though they have big shoes to fill they’re already both adding value at the table.  We’re still looking to broaden our representation in Marlborough and Golden Bay, however, so please get in touch if you or someone you know is willing and able to roll their sleeves up to help drive impact in our region’s communities. 

At the end of last month we held our annual meeting in Nelson, that included our formal AGM.  Once again I’d like to thank everyone who attended, in particular our key donors and donor organisations.  Our Annual Report is now available on our website, with a link provided further below in this newsletter. 

This newsletter includes an EO update from Nettie discussing the Annual Report, donors, and the recent successful grants round, and donor stories that achieved nationwide media coverage.  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;  https://www.topsouthfoundation.org.nz/donate/. 

Ngā mihi, kind regards 

Dave Ashcroft, Chair, [email protected]