End of year message for PNZ members from Rahul Watson-Govindan

Reflecting on 2024 and Embracing the Future 

Dear Members of Philanthropy New Zealand, 

As we approach the close of 2024, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in our communities. This year has been marked by numerous challenges and triumphs, and it is through our collective efforts that we have been able to enable positive change and support the incredible level of community demand being felt across the country. 

I am continually inspired by the passion and creativity demonstrated by our members, who have worked tirelessly to address growing, pressing issues and create opportunities for growth and development. Your mahi (work) and aroha (love) has provided immediate relief and strengthened relationships for our local communities and laid the groundwork for a better future in the years to come. 

However, I want to acknowledge the challenges you’ve faced this year – I could really feel it when meeting you at events. You’ve carried a lot of burden on your shoulders.  Your resilience is inspiring, and I hope you take the time to refresh and relax over the summer. 

As we close the year at PNZ, I want to draw attention to a few ‘hot’ things - We’ve currently got various important submissions to Parliament and Ministers underway in areas that affect our members (Te Tiriti Principles Bill, charities tax proposals, Long Term Insights, …and numerous more). Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more about our efforts to represent and advocate for our community.  

Secondly, we have just concluded the incredibly successful 12 Days of Giving campaign. My thanks to Minister Louise Upston for her support and initiation of this, and of course to the wonderful members who took part in the videos – if you haven’t yet seen them, here they are and please share widely across your socials.  

Lastly, we have a few wonderful staff finishing their time at PNZ. Nicole has really sharpened and matured our business operations since starting and begun our much-needed change from ‘old to new’ in our systems and processes. Her ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to go the extra mile was noticed and valued by all – especially by me as we spent many hours after usual ‘work hours’ moving out of our offices (!). Anika has been an erstwhile support for me as I’ve embedded into my role and helped fill many gaps over the year.  Her leadership, proactivity and knowledge were incredibly valued by the entire team this year. Mei has been a breath of fresh air in the communications role, delivering a significant lift in our social media, newsletter and magazine space this year. Her ability to work to tight timeframes, be agile and somehow still maintain an incredibly calm and happy disposition through it all is one of those ‘unteachable’ skills! Lastly, Carolyn who has been our strategic communications lead – her knowledge, capability, experience and leadership is no better reflected than in the wildly successful 12 Days of Giving campaign. I’m sure we’ll be working on a few things together again next year, and I know all of the sector will benefit from your continued presence in it (check out her new venture – Changing Mindsets for Good – Goodscoop). 

A warm welcome to Eva to the team as Director of Policy and Advocacy. Her positivity, wisdom, networks and depth and breadth of knowledge has already made an impact and I'm really looking forward to what we can do in 2025 together in research and advocacy spaces.  Lastly so happy to have Gin continue in the role looking after events and members. She's been working hard behind the scenes on a range of initiatives and we're looking forward to bringing them to you in the new year.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities that lie before us. I’m currently writing to you on annual leave from Singapore, a country that is about to celebrate 60 years of independence in 2025.  The giving economy is thriving from strong government support of the sector and its peak body (there’s a 250% tax rebate for donations!). It’s not the only country that’s lifted its performance in recent years, and next year PNZ will be pushing for NZ to the same. I know it’s an area the government is focused on as well. For PNZ, we’ve got a strong stream of initiatives planned for 2025 from events, to education, research and advocacy – many with new and existing partners.  We’ll also be rolling out our new (much overdue) website and a brand-new member hub with a technology partner (watch this space).  

We will continue to build on our successes, explore new possibilities, and strive to make an even greater impact. Our collective vision and shared values will guide us as we navigate the future, and I am confident that, together, we will achieve remarkable things.  

I wish you all a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness. May the New Year bring you good health, prosperity, and continued inspiration to make a difference in the world. 

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Philanthropy New Zealand. I look forward to working with you in 2025 and beyond. 

Ngā manaakitanga,

Rahul Watson Govindan

CEO, Philanthropy New Zealand | Tōpūtanga Tuku Aroha o Aotearoa