Welcome from Philanthropy New Zealand Chairperson - Jennifer Gill

Philanthropy in Aotearoa, New Zealand is very well placed to respond to the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our communities. Philanthropists and grantmakers are playing a key role in building the fabric of our society.

It is therefore opportune to explore and challenge the status quo and to question why philanthropy matters, how, and to whom it matters. Philanthropy New Zealand has assembled an exciting, incisive programme with over 20 key speakers and presentations from here and overseas. They will address these pertinent questions, reflect on good practice, examine new ideas and provide practical tools that will ensure your giving has maximum impact.

Philanthropy Matters because it is able to be responsive, nimble, to test things out and change directions quickly. It can seed and invest, and choose less popular causes in ways government and businesses are not always able to. We know it makes a significant economic and social contribution but to date there is very limited data that can measure and track this contribution. So I am looking forward to the launch of Giving New Zealand during the conference, as it will give us a comprehensive understanding of giving by trusts, individuals and businesses.

This is the inaugural combined Philanthropy New Zealand and Community Trusts Conference, an exciting example of how philanthropists and grantmakers are now connecting to gain knowledge and experience from each other. Combine this with family foundations, individual donors, statutory grantmakers, maori grantmakers, corporate citizens, influencers in social policy, from this country and all over the world, and we have a unique opportunity to move philanthropy and grantmaking in New Zealand to new levels.

I look forward to welcoming at Philanthropy Matters.
Jennifer  Gill
Chairperson
Philanthropy New Zealand