Letter from the Executive Director

4 May

From Nikau Foundation’s 2022 Impact Report

Tēnā koutou katoa.

There are simply not enough words to describe how proud I am of Nikau Foundation as a funder, a partner, a team and an advocate for this wonderful region that we call home.

To do all these things well requires support and expertise, innovation and creativity, governance and leadership, local knowledge and insight. I am humbled that we now have more than 40 volunteers, from members of our Board to those locally based, working alongside us to achieve our goals.

The gift of time is the greatest gift of all, and I would like to thank them for their contributions in 2022, the impact of which is felt not only across our organisation but also in the communities we serve.

There is no other network of philanthropic foundations that can support donors to truly realise their giving goals and connect them to the greatest need. Every gift, large or small, forms a part of our story and the impact we have today, tomorrow and for generations to come. Not only did we establish 11 new funds in 2022, but we also reached a significant milestone of 75 funds.

These include The Edith Sprott Fund, supporting older people and those living with or supporting people with dementia; the O’Dea Illingworth Fund, helping climate change action and research; and the St Matthew’s Old Girls’ Association Fund, providing scholarships for young women to achieve their potential. I would like to thank every person and organisation who has made a gift or chosen us as the guardian of their legacy – we are truly grateful for your support.

Nikau Foundation is at an exciting phase in our journey and continues to be ambitious with the goals we set ourselves, all of which help us work towards the best possible community outcomes. Growth in funds and the introduction of new roles provided us with an opportunity to reorganise and further invest in critical areas of the organisation such as grant-making, financial management, community engagement and volunteer management.

This has placed us in a strong position going into 2023, and I am honoured to work alongside the Nikau team, all of whom bring their expertise, dedication and passion to their individual roles.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank former Executive Director Alice Montague for her considerable contribution. We wish her all the best for her next chapter. It takes a very special person to leave a lasting mark on an organisation, and Adrienne Bushell is one of these people. After 15 years of service, Adrienne retired from her role in April 2022. Fundraiser, storyteller and donor, cheerleader, volunteer and friend, Adrienne has given her all to Nikau, and it is not an exaggeration to say that, without her, we simply would not be where we are today. I cannot thank her enough for her significant contribution, and I am delighted she continues to work alongside us as part of our Nikau Kāpiti Committee.

As the capital city’s community foundation, we are well positioned to help shape the future of our region. To do this, however, we rely on the generosity of our donors. Sir Mark Dunajtschik has been instrumental in creating the city we so love today and continues to work tirelessly to ensure our communities can access the support and services they need.

We are honoured and humbled that Sir Mark has now chosen Nikau Foundation to be the guardian of his legacy – one that will transform the lives of people living with a disability forever. On behalf of all of us at Nikau and our communities, thank you Sir Mark for your unwavering commitment, generosity and support of the people and places we love most.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Nikau Foundation. Together, we are creating a thriving Greater Wellington region.

Ngā mihi nui,