2025 Annual Report
The Foundation enjoyed considerable growth in its sustainable fund reaching $1,194,034 in investments. The Auckland and Wellington En Pointe Patrons continued to thrive and supported several RNZB projects.
Chrysalis. Principal Kate Kadow and Artist Calum Gray. Photo Stephen A'Court
New initiatives:
We held film fundraisers in Auckland and Wellington screening Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Attended by 254 supporters the events raised over $6,000.
The final Harry Haythorne Award was granted to RNZB Soloist and Choreographer in Residence, Shaun James Kelly, for his new work Chrysalis.
The Foundation’s Patron, Jillian Friedlander, hosted an end-of-year party to promote the Foundation to potential supporters.
En Pointe Patrons were invited to celebrate the opening of the RNZB’s new production of The Nutcracker at a post-show event with the RNZB dancers, staff and creatives.
Auckland En Pointe Patrons held a morning tea to meet Choreographer-in-Residence Shaun James Kelly and fashion designer Rory William Docherty. This was followed by watching the dancers take class on stage.
Working with the RNZB:
For the fifth year, with support from an anonymous donor, we funded the RNZB Foundation Scholar at the RNZB. The 2025 Scholar was Hilary An-Roddie.
Grants to the RNZB totalled $131,146
By the numbers:
Events in Auckland and Wellington, hosted 500 guests
20 volunteers supported our fundraising efforts
$24,600 grant made to the RNZB towards costumes for a new work by Shaun James Kelly, Chrysalis
$14,670 grant made to the RNZB towards the staging of Cathy Marston’s My Brilliant Career.
$10,000 grant made to the RNZB towards a new musical arrangement for Loughlan Prior’s The Firebird.
$7,730 grant made towards Pivot Pointe, RNZB dancer career transition project.
$5,000 grant made to the RNZB towards schools’ education programmes in Auckland. Supported by The William and Lois Manchester Trust
$9,146 grant made to RNZB for DANCEwithME, dance workshops and performance for low decile schools in Manukau. Supported by Fran Wyborn
DANCEwithME performance at the Dew Drop Centre, Manukau. Photo by Frank Sim
Investment
Craigs Investment Partners continues to manage the Foundation’s funds under a Discretionary Investment Management Service.
A conservative investment strategy and our granting policy resulted in the continued growth of the Foundation’s investments.
Other Activities
Total notified bequests are 33; our supporters and donors continue to grow.
Governance
Throughout 2025 Jane Meares (Chairperson), Louise Binns, Sarah Cole, Ann-Louise Gower, Melanie Morris, Victoria Muir, Nuwanthie Samarakone, Ian Webster and David Wright remained as Trustees. RNZB appointee Nuwanthie Samarakone retired at the end of her appointment to the Board in December 2025. Ann-Louise Gower was reappointed as a Trustees for a further term of three years. Roberta Tills took over the role of Treasurer from Melanie Morris in January 2025.
Trustees are appointed in accordance with clause 7.3 of our Rules and, in addition to the skills outlined, the Board has regard to the need for representation from different regions within New Zealand. We were pleased to continue to have representation from each of New Zealand’s four main centres. The Foundation endeavours to have national reach.
Auckland was represented by 4 trustees, Wellington by 3, Christchurch by 1 and Dunedin by 1.
The Auckland Trustees are supported by a committee including Ian Webster (Chair), Louise Binns, Sarah Cole, Carol Ross, Lenise Lendrum, Diane Field, Nuwanthie Samarakone and Simon Lambourne.
Wellington Trustees are supported by a committee including Ann-Louise Gower (Chair), Lady Susan Arnold, Sarah Bartlett, Jane Meares, Sarah Singleton, Anna Hinderwell and Sarah Ting.
Christchurch Trustees are supported by a committee including Melanie Morris (Chair) and Ros Burdon.
Event hosted by Jillian Friedlander. Lady Dayle Mace, Maddy Didsbury, Kathy Didsbury. Photo Louise Binns
The Foundation could not exist without the unstinting support and indefatigable effort of my fellow trustees and all the subcommittee members. They give voluntarily and generously of their time and other resources and contribute to the Foundation with their enthusiasm and vision. I thank them for all they do for the Foundation, and I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our patrons and supporters, without whom our work would not be possible.
Jane Meares
Chair, Board of Trustees, The Royal New Zealand Ballet Foundation Trust