Chairman's Statement
Since joining the board of NZOFT five years ago I have followed the success stories of many talented New Zealand singers and have witnessed the wonderful performances by our national company - New Zealand Opera, and more recently, the Wellington Opera Company.
A lot of these successes were achieved by the Foundation recognising and supporting the upcoming talent and by its helping to maintain or improve the general standard of opera in New Zealand. Many of the young singers whom we initially identified have made it to the big stages of national and international opera houses. We have also supported New Zealand Opera by making specific grants to help ensure that the quality of its productions remain high. The company has continued to develop as a major performing arts entity earning a high international reputation.
As a lover of opera and indeed all forms of music theatre since my introduction to the works of Gilbert & Sullivan while I was at school, my goal is to grow the capital base of NZOFT and renew fundraising activities post COVID to assist with that goal. In line with this vision, we have recently welcomed three new Trustees to the board, Wellington consultant (and new city councillor) Tim Brown, Winifred Bull from Martinborough who has had a long association with the Victoria University School of music and Sina Wendt ONZM who has 25 years’ experience in the commercial, public and not-for-profit sector in governance and executive roles.
The New Zealand Opera Foundation Trust was set up in 2003 as a registered charitable trust. Its main purpose is to take a leading role in attracting and managing funds through which it can support the future of opera in New Zealand and continue to assist our young opera talent.
The level of success to which the Foundation has contributed could not have happened without generous support from individuals or their trusts. I welcome this opportunity for you to consider contributing to the important work of this Foundation and thus assist in promoting the successes of Opera performances in this country, and of our many talented singers.
John Meads
The Foundation
is a completely independent and secure, dedicated fund manager for legacies, gifts, trusts, appealing to a wide variety of people who have a specific passion for opera and its future in New Zealand.
The trustees of the Foundation have individually and collectively extensive knowledge and expertise relevant to support its long-term objectives. These include the ability to provide advice to existing and potential donors and bequestors. The Foundation has been set up to respect any donor’s or bequestor’s wishes about the level and the areas of support they wish to provide. Particular advice can be given on how to contribute to the Foundation, including the provision of suitable wording to be used in your will or adding a codicil to your existing will. Recognition of your contribution can be accommodated in accordance with your individual wishes.
Funds under its management are invested in a prudent and secure manner according to the Foundation’s Trust Deed(*). Grants made for any financial support will follow a thorough process of identification and selection by the Grants Committee, appointed by the Trustees. Their findings together with any fiscal considerations by the Finance Committee will then be considered and decided upon by the Trust Board, which will determine whether and upon what terms any grants will be made.
(*) a copy of our Trust Deed is available on request
The Trustees
have all been appointed with the view to bringing a balance of relevant skills to the Foundation’s operations to ensure that the intentions of all donors and bequestors are respected and given proper effect.
John Meads, Chair
Bill Falconer, CNZM
Annabel Holland
Jenny Loosley
Adam Ross, QC
Donald Trott, ONZM, JP
Sina Wendt, ONZM
Tim Brown
Winnifred Bull
Administrator: Debbie Macpherson / NZOS Office
Accountant: Ruth Middleton