Everlasting support for the arts.
The long-term impact of a legacy
Ensuring a loved one is remembered can be done in many ways. It can be as simple as planting a tree, commissioning a bench in a place they loved or giving a gift in their name. For Nikau Foundation donor Adrienne Bushell, acknowledging her late husband Laurie meant honouring their mutual love for the arts and shared interest in philanthropy. “We loved going to performances together,” says Adrienne. “Tchaikovsky was Laurie’s absolute favourite, and we were passionate about supporting the arts through our trust. Laurie was naturally generous and cared immensely about creating lasting change.”
Laurie Bushell.
Flexible support
When Adrienne came across Nikau Foundation, she was new to the community foundations model. “I found it almost by accident,” she laughs. However, she quickly discovered that it was the perfect way to make sure Laurie was celebrated. The Laurie Bushell Fund was established in 2007 with the objective of supporting a few organisations close to her and Laurie’s hearts, such as the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, with flexibility to support the arts generally.
“One thing I love about the arts is that it is constantly developing,” says Adrienne, “Thirteen years ago, I couldn’t imagine some of the creative things we would be seeing – fully digital productions holograms in the Wellington fountain – it’s amazing to how artistic expression changes as technology does!”
Coasters Musical Theatre’s Mary Poppins Production, supported by the Laurie Bushell Fund. Captured by FRIDAY PHOTOGRAPHY.
The fund’s flexible and varied scope has meant that the Laurie Bushell Fund has been able to support the arts in its many forms. This year, the fund gave a grant to Coasters Musical Theatre, supporting its season of Mary Poppins – the company’s biggest ever production. It also provided funding for the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand, ensuring it had sufficient technical staff to run the annual national Shakespeare festival. Over the years, the fund has supported the Orpheus Choir, Theatreview Trust and the U.S. Kāpiti Marines Trust.
Giving a voice to the next generation
Inspired to provide young people with opportunities to upskill and gain confidence, the Laurie Bushell Fund established a scholarship with Speech New Zealand in 2012. “The Nikau Foundation Scholarship provides funding for students to complete their associate or advanced associate qualifications,” says Speech New Zealand Executive Officer Emma Carpenter. While one scholarship recipient has gone on to successfully pursue a radio broadcast career, another will soon return to Speech New Zealand in a teaching capacity. “This is testament to the impact of the scholarship. It’s come full circle and will continue to impact more and more speech students.”
The Laurie Bushell fund continues to have an impact, making sure the arts scene he loved is nurtured forever.
To find out more about setting up a fund in honour of a loved one, click here.
