Exciting times of opportunity and financial support are ahead for Southland charities with the launch of the new donor-driven, philanthropic Southland Foundation last night (30 May).

Southland Foundation board members (L-R) Sarah Collie, Kathryn Ball (chair), Joe O'Connell, Jeff Grant, Sarah Brown and special guest Sir Stephen Tindall. Photo: Southland App

Community foundations are billed as the fastest growing form of philanthropy and allow donors to pool their bequest with a foundation for an everlasting impact on local or regional causes - from youth, education, health, community, and environment, through to even a specific charity.

The Southland Foundation will be the latest in a string of 18 successfully run, independent community foundations stretching across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Southland Foundation Chair, Kathryn Ball said that by harnessing the collective generosity of the community, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more resilient future for all Southlanders.

"We believe in the power of perpetual giving - giving in a way that not only reflects individual passions and values but also ensures sustainable support for our Southland community, forever."

She said Southlanders were exceptionally generous.

"We know how to get stuff done."

Special guest Sir Stephen Tindall, founder of The Warehouse Group and The Tindall Foundation, said he was honoured to stand alongside the Southland Foundation in their mission to drive long term positive change.

"Community foundations play a pivotal role in connecting resources with local needs."

Sir Stephen said Southland was in the best shape of any foundation started.

While it would take time before results were seen, the Southland Foundation was benefiting from the lessons learnt and experience of the other foundations.

Tindall went on to talk about the good and opportunity that came from philanthropy and highlighted his ongoing experiences of investing in people and technology, including Southland-born Peter Beck's Rocket Lab, through The Tindall Foundation.

SBS Bank CEO Mark McLean, said the values of SBS Bank and the Southland Foundation's long-term vision were in alignment, before announcing the Southland-based bank would be kickstarting the foundation with a $5 Million 5-year interest-free loan.

Additional operational support has also been received from the ILT, Community Trust South, Distinction Hotel, Murihiku Rūnaka and Rio Tinto/NZAS Community Development Fund, and Great South.

The Southland Foundation currently has 5 volunteer trustees and 3 paid staff.