Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation
The Borrin Foundation is an example of how an act of generosity by a Wellingtonian can leave a lasting and substantial legacy for our communities.
Established through a $38 million bequest by the late Judge Ian Borrin, the Borrin Foundation provides critical support for legal research, education and scholarships. It was founded in memory Ian’s parents, Michael and Suzanne Borrin.
A safe refuge
Arriving in New Zealand from Warsaw, Poland, in the early 1930s, Michael and Suzanne were a young Jewish couple looking to start a new life.
Forced to leave behind their Jewish family members and friends, many of whom would go on to lose their lives in death camps during World War II. This tragedy left Michael and Suzanne with immense gratitude to New Zealand for providing them with safe refuge, and a desire to give something back to their adopted country.
They established a highly successful clothing manufacturing company in Wellington called ‘Peerless’, which generated the majority of their wealth.
Philanthropy and generosity were always a big part of Michael and Suzanne’s lives. They saw their success and the community’s success as intertwined.
A force for good
An only child of Michael and Suzanne, Ian dedicated his life to the law.
He progressed from law school to become a practising lawyer, a Family Court Judge and then head of the Police Complaints Authority (now the Independent Police Conduct Authority). He was hardworking and loved his work. He is said to have never taken a day’s leave from his role as head of the Authority (2001-2007).
Judge Borrin’s commitment to his work stemmed from his passionate belief that the law should be a force for good in the world. He cared deeply about people and about the role of law in society.
A lasting legacy
On his death in March 2016, Ian left a large bequest ($38 million) to establish the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation. This generous legacy both honours his parents and gives a gift to all of Aotearoa New Zealand.
This generous gift reflects the Borrin family’s deep gratitude and commitment to New Zealand, Ian’s love of the law and his conviction that law provides an essential foundation for a flourishing society.
Ian’s vision was for a fund to research legal issues where there was potential to make a real and practical difference to the lives of New Zealanders. As part of his legacy, he appointed Nikau Foundation as corporate trustee.
Community impact
The Borrin Foundation has a continued focus on areas where the law is not serving New Zealanders well. Many of the projects supported aim to address criminal justice reform, family law, consumer credit law, Indigenous law and the environment. Recent grants include:
Reframing crime and justice: A project that has been designed to address how we talk about criminal justice reform in Aotearoa New Zealand. It includes research and training to ensure an evidence-informed public discussion. This work is being led by JustSpeak and The Workshop.
He Ture Kia Tika: ‘Let the law be right’ for people experiencing mental distress and addiction. Research shows that the majority of prisoners have experienced mental distress or addiction within their lifetime. Because of this many receive little to no help or support. This project sets about developing strategies and solutions to improve wellbeing with the aim of reducing reoffending. It is hoped that the findings will inform current mental health, addictions and justice reform.
Rentbot, Workbot: Technology has become an ever-increasing priority – enabling more people to access legal support and information. These two chatbots are freely available to anyone. Rentbot answers questions about tenancy law and the legal rights and obligations of renters and landlords. Workbot focuses on employment law – being employed, working conditions, rights and protections for employees and how to resolve disputes.
Ian Borrin and Jenny George
For more information on the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation, and the projects they are supporting, please visit their website.
