Fiordland residents got a chance to learn more about Southland's latest philanthropic foundation, when it was presented in Te Anau this evening (11 Jun).

The new donor-driven Southland Foundation was officially launched in Invercargill last month (30 May), with special guest Sir Stephen Tindall, founder of The Warehouse Group and The Tindall Foundation, talking in favour of the concept.

The foundation will offer donors the chance to have an everlasting impact on both local or regional causes - from youth, education, health, community, and environment, through to specific charities.

Southland Foundation board member Jeff Grant explains the foundation to a gathering in Te Anau. Photo: Southland App

The organisation's directors are well known within Southland and includes Kathryn Ball (chair) - director, accountant and consultant, Sarah Collie - accountant, Joe O'Connell - accountant, Jeff Grant - director and trustee, and Sarah Brown - professional director and former commercial lawyer.

Staff members include CEO Sarah Hannan and Development Manager Rachael Cockburn.

The Southland Foundation joins a string of 18 successfully run, independent community foundations stretching across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The foundation has the support of the ILT, Community Trust South, Distinction Hotel, Murihiku Rūnaka and Rio Tinto/NZAS Community Development Fund, and Great South.

It also received a $5 million interest-free 5-year loan from SBS Bank as a kick-start.