Purpose & Practice Series

Charities Gather for Governance, Growth, and Generosity

Over 60 representatives from South Canterbury’s charitable sector filled the Landing Service Conference Centre for the inaugural Purpose & Practice workshop—a joint initiative by the Aoraki Foundation and Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury.

Designed for trustees, committee members, and senior leaders, the session focused on strengthening governance, navigating legislative changes, and building resilient organisations. It was part of a broader series aimed at equipping ‘for purpose’ groups with practical tools and strategic insight.

Chief Executive Richard Spackman opened the session, welcoming attendees and setting the tone for a morning of collaboration and learning. He thanked the event’s sponsors—Craigs Investment Partners, Parry Field Lawyers, and Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury—particularly acknowledging the Trust’s generous support and the leadership of their new Chief Executive, Tim Barnett.

Spackman noted that the sector’s strength lies in its shared commitment to community wellbeing. “We’re proud to stand alongside you,” he said, “and to help build a future where generosity and good governance go hand in hand.”

Keynote speaker Steven Moe, a legal expert and changemaker, brought both depth and warmth to the conversation, drawing on his work with hundreds of charities across Aotearoa. His first session introduced the Charities Healthcheck—a free, interactive tool developed with input from over 100 sector leaders. His slides prompted reflection on purpose, control, relationships, and windups, with questions like: “Do your leaders understand their governance role?” and “How do you safeguard the wellbeing of staff and volunteers?” The Healthcheck sparked lively discussion and immediate interest from attendees.

After morning tea, the Aoraki Foundation outlined its latest funding round and opportunities for charities to start their own endowment fund as part of ensuring financial sustainability. Steven returned to unpack recent legislative changes and emerging challenges facing the sector. His second presentation explored impact investing, intellectual property, and succession planning, grounded in real-world case studies and delivered with clarity and compassion.

Tim Barnett closed the workshop with a thoughtful summary of Steven’s presentation and a call to action: for charities to embrace change, invest in their people, and lean into the power of partnership.

As attendees lingered over coffee and conversation, one thing was clear: South Canterbury’s charitable sector is not only active—it’s evolving, together.