Philanthropy New Zealand Strategic Advisory Group

Philanthropy New Zealand (Philanthropy NZ) has embarked on planning and defining our next Strategic Plan.  We’re acutely aware that good strategic planning starts with listening. Seeking out and understanding the sentiments, experiences, aspirations, and concerns of our membership and the wider philanthropy sector is fundamental to shaping a strategy that is credible, grounded, and future focused. Doing this well requires time, intention, and a practical mechanism for gathering insight in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable.  

To support this, we have now established the  dedicated Strategic Advisory Group (PNZSAG), as previously indicated, to bring people together from across the various strands of our membership in a structured way to draw on collective wisdom, test emerging ideas, and build a shared understanding of our impact and potential. Guided by facilitator, Claire Toufexis, Principal Consultant – Martin Jenkins, this group will work with the PNZ Board, team, and wider membership to help shape the direction of the organisation. With their support, we want to explore: 

• how Philanthropy NZ can lead positive change, by understanding the sector as it is now, and what it needs to thrive 

• how Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique approach to giving can be strengthened 

• how we define and support the wider ecosystem of funders, community, and Government, including the giving structures and mechanisms that shape it. 

The PNZSAG members are as follows – we are grateful for their commitment to this kaupapa: 

• Seumas Fantham, Todd Foundation 

• Lotima Vaioleti, BayTrust 

• Tupe Solomon Tanoa’i, Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation 

• Derek Caudwell, Trust Horizon 

• Helena Francis, Wayne Francis Charitable Trust 

• Jenny Gill, MAS Foundation; Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation; and The Selwyn Foundation 

• Jackie Flutey, The  Community Trust of Southland 

• Karena Waiwiri, Toi Foundation 

• Melissa Gibson, Len Reynolds Trust 

• Zeke Raui, Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation 

• Jamie Tuuta, Māori Governance 

• Lucy Doyle, Milford Foundation 

• Eleanor Cater, Community Foundations Aotearoa 

• Natalia Sexton, Department of Internal Affairs 

• Alice Montague, Clare Foundation 

• Nick Mills, The Sargood Bequest 

Your input as a member or Philanthropy NZ is highly valued. We have already gathered valuable insights and ideas from our conference session in March, and we are committed to building on this further. We will be creating a range of opportunities to ensure all our members can contribute to this mahi and help shape our new strategy. We encourage you to take part and share your perspectives- please look out for more information in upcoming editions of Giving Matters.