Annual Report 2010.pdf - Philanthropy New Zealand

Chair’s Report:
John Prendergast
Philanthropy New Zealand is pivotal to the continued development and refinement of philanthropy and
grantmaking in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It has a distinctive role leading debate and focussing attention on exemplary philanthropic practice in
Aotearoa New Zealand. As the peak body for philanthropic and grantmaking organisations, Philanthropy
New Zealand will build on its role as the voice on matters of philanthropy and continue to be a catalyst and
dynamic contributor to a thoughtfully generous Aotearoa New Zealand.
This statement defines Philanthropy New Zealand’s intention, vision and commitment to our membership. It grew
from the robust strategic planning process we undertook over the past year.
During my time as Chair of Philanthropy New Zealand, I have been privileged to witness so much of what is good
about philanthropy – the work our members do in supporting our communities. So it was imperative that as part of our
planning process we heard what you wanted us to do on your behalf.
One outstanding observation from the survey we conducted is a strongly conveyed sense that membership really,
personally matters to people: respondents value the relationships with staff, board members and other members. An
open and warm culture must bring its strains, particularly on the Chief Executive, but it seems to be at the core of our
organisation. Even though organisations may rarely draw on it, they know there is someone to answer a call for help in a
time of need or to be put in touch with other like-minded people. It may be somewhat intangible, but the survey shows
it’s an important part of the way Philanthropy New Zealand works.
Your responses, overall, reflect the thoughtful and strategic practices that are going on across the country. We
worked hard to condense your views into the following roles and values you believe we must continue to develop or
uphold. They are:
• Leadership and the importance/strength of a collective, authoritative, collaborative VOICE.
• Both inspiring generosity and thoughtful grantmaking – the DUALITY of our role and the
importance of encouraging more giving.
• Being a CHAMPION to support the development, growth and maturing of philanthropy.
• Growing LEADERSHIP in Philanthropy.
• Having a safe ‘neutral’ space to convene – to be a CATALYST for convening conversations.
• A WHOLE view – spaces and sectors, connections across boundaries; cultural and sectorial.
• A LEAD organisation in promoting exemplary practices – a place to learn; knowledge
management, maximising connections and networks, and connected internationally.
• GROWING membership – of having more voices at the table.
• Our role as a CONNECTOR – of members to each other, of philanthropy to government,
of the community and voluntary sector to other sectors, and of building connections.
Philanthropy New Zealand Toputanga Tuku Aroha o Aotearoa
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