Building an asset for Southland

June 5th 2024

May 30th marked a milestone for Southland, New Zealand, as the community launched its very own community foundation, as a means to provide the infrastructure for locals to give in a long-term, strategic way. The launch, held at the Chamber of Commerce in Invercargill, was the culmination of two years of planning, supported by a host of local actors, as well as Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ (CFANZ)

Sir Stephen Tindall, a longtime supporter of the philosophy of community foundations, was one of the guest speakers. "Philanthropy is not just about giving money; it's about creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve. Community foundations play a pivotal role in connecting resources with local needs, and I am honoured to stand alongside the Southland Foundation in their mission to drive long term positive change."

Sir Stephen says that "there is nothing more satisfying than giving" and believes that community foundations embody the ethos of collective giving to address local challenges and amplify community impact. Southland Foundation will serve as a vehicle for Southlanders to give back to their community, empowering them to support charities and causes they are passionate about while ensuring a legacy of support for Southland's future generations.

"We believe in the power of perpetual giving - giving in a way that not only reflects individual passions and values but also ensures sustainable support for our Southland community, forever," said Kathryn Ball, Southland Foundation's Chair. "I am confident that Southland Foundation will change Southland for the better".

At the event, Mark McLean, CEO of SBS Bank, confirmed long term support with a $5m interest free loan for 5 years to give the foundation a head start. "Southlanders are generous and times are changing, there is a need for a new vehicle to enable people to pool funds. We didn't hesitate to support - our values align, we are all about giving back to our community".

Arron Perriam, Executive Director of CFANZ, who grew up in Southland, spoke of his pride in the establishment of a community foundation in his hometown. "Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand is proud to welcome Southland Foundation to its national member network. And Southland Foundation has the three ingredients for success: the community supports it, local leadership to lead it and local people wanting to invest in it and make good things happen for this community".

Lori Luke, Deputy Chair of CFANZ and CEO of Acorn Foundation, spoke about the intergenerational impact for Southland. "The work you are doing now will pay off decades and generations down the road. Your work will benefit your children, your grandchildren and your great grandchildren".

A wholehearted warm welcome to the CFANZ network, Southland Foundation! The whole CFANZ team are very proud to have you as a member, and the 18th community foundation to launch in Aotearoa NZ.

See more about the history of our network here at the link.

CFANZ and Southland Foundation extend appreciation to Southland's founding partner SBS Bank, along with strategic partners ILT, Community Trust South, Distinction Hotel, Murihiku Rūnaka and Rio Tinto/NZAS Community Development Fund, and Great South, for their invaluable support.