A message on the New Year from our CE, Josh Hickford

As I sit back having already enjoyed a week out of the office to celebrate Christmas and the summer with our family and friends, the battery is now approaching full charge.

How good is the promise of a brand-new year just around the corner? Last year my personal resolution was to complete another Ironman 70.3 and the realisation of that goal is now just three short weeks away in Tauranga.

We all know how it goes! In the first few days of January each year, people around the world set ambitious resolutions – things they’d like to change, start doing, or stop doing in the year to come. The beginning of a new year provides a nice opportunity to take a step back and reflect on our lives. It provides a feeling of a “fresh start” – a renewed sense of hope that we can make positive changes, that we can push ahead with purpose and do things differently.

It is also good to be reminded that one person’s generosity really can make an incredible impact within our community and the Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year 2022 nominee stories are an inspiring read of real-life examples of huge generosity in time, commitment and passion.

One resolution that you could think about for 2023 is a regular donation to a charity. Your donations will change people’s lives. It’s a big statement, I know. But it’s true. As I reflect on 2022, I do so with admiration and gratitude for our local charitable groups and organisations. The last few years have been tough on everyone, and none more so than these groups who have shown incredible resilience as they have adapted; learning new skills, modifying events, forging ahead in ever changing circumstances and forming new relationships to meet the increasing need in our community.

This recently released report from Fundraising and Philanthropy, details some informative data on how charities are performing in Australia and New Zealand with 70% of respondents worried about the impact of rising inflation, escalating interest rates and fear of recession on donations.

The Institute of Directors have also identified financial resilience as one of the top five issues for directors in 2023 in their annual report. Noting that the volatile and uncertain economic conditions could impact charity funding streams from government, alongside uncertainty of funding from other sources, including philanthropy and community grant funders.

Taranaki Foundation can assist you with your charitable gifts of any kind. Giving through Taranaki Foundation means the local cause of your choice will receive a gift, not just once, but year on year, forever. We are also proud to manage a growing number of Community Funds that will provide the essential long-term funding streams our hardworking community groups, organisations and individuals need to carry on their important work so Taranaki can flourish, now and for generations to come. We welcome your donation to these Funds to help grow the future financial security of these organisations.

Finally, we are proud and excited that over the year ahead we will all get to enjoy the transformation and bringing to life of Destination Play at Kāwaroa. Already a number of Taranaki individuals and businesses have made generous contributions with over 80% of funding secured. Have you seen our latest stories in the summer editions of Live and MOOD magazines? It’s the last little bit (we are asking for $1m in community donations) where we need your support to make it happen.

So, if you feel like making a resolution that you can actually stick to in 2023, could I be so bold as to suggest you think about making giving to charity your New Year’s resolution.

The best New Year’s resolutions? They’re the ones that also help others.

Here’s to a bright and healthy new year!