South Island’s largest community investor, Rātā Foundation, has released its annual results for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, reporting a robust 7.1% portfolio return and growth in its pūtea to $695 million, despite global market volatility.
This financial strength enabled Rātā to invest $26.5 million in community-led initiatives across its funding regions, an increase from $21.8 million in FY24. It is evolving a responsible investment approach that delivers strong, risk-adjusted returns-supporting community goals without compromising people or the planet.
“Our investment strategy is about more than financial returns-it’s about creating meaningful social change,” said Leighton Evans, Chief Executive. “We’re proud to deliver strong results while staying true to our values. Every dollar invested is a step toward empowering communities and protecting the planet.”
Investing for Impact
Rātā investment strategy has evolved to include strategic diversification and direct investments with like-minded New Zealand entities. A key milestone this year was the acquisition of a 25% stake in Alvarium (NZ) Management Holdings Limited, which aligns with Rātā ethical investment principles and marks a significant step in its goal to allocate 30% of its portfolio to direct investments.
“We’re building a resilient portfolio that supports long-term community funding, even in uncertain times,” Evans said. “Our financial performance underpins our ability to invest in solutions that matter-like affordable housing, mental health, and strengthening the Community sector.”
Evidence of Social Impact Across our Community Investment Programme
“We’re committed to creating long-term, equitable, and sustainable impact. By focusing on key issues like affordable housing, mental health, and education, and grounding our decisions in data and evidence, we ensure our funding reaches those who need it most-building healthier, more resilient communities,” says Mr Evans.
Rātā funding has supported a wide range of initiatives, with measurable outcomes including:
– 71 affordable housing units funded in FY25, up from 62 in FY24
– 1,889 individuals supported through mental health programmes
– 193 organisations strengthened through governance, climate
adaptation, and AI capability workshops
– 28 tailored strengthening initiatives for individual community organisations
– 34,000 instances of support for people with high and complex
– 58,000 Positive youth development opportunities
– 353,000 Opportunities to connect in the community
– 206,000 opportunities to celebrate diversity and culture
– 259,000+ opportunities to participate in sports and arts
– 77,000 Opportunities for people to participate in conservation
– 89,000+ volunteers involved
Regional Funding Breakdown
In FY25, Rātā Foundation distributed $26.5 million across its funding regions, up from $21.5 million in FY24, through 591 distinct funding opportunities. Key areas of investment included:
Regionally:
– Canterbury (includes Chatham Island): $17.4m
– Nelson: $3.9m
– Marlborough: $1.7m
– Multi-Region $3.5m
Priority Funding Areas:
– Support: $15.3m (up from $10.5m)
– Connect: $3.4m (down slightly from $3.5m)
– Sustain: $2.6m (down from $4.2m)
– Participate: $3.7m (up from $3.1m)
– Learn: $1.5m(steady from FY24m)
Looking Ahead
“We remain focused on strengthening community organisations and adapting to evolving community needs,” Evans said. “Our purpose is clear-create lasting social impact through ethical investment and evidence-based funding. When communities are strong, the future is too.”
About Rātā Foundation:
Rātā Foundation is the South Island’s most significant community investment fund.
Since its inception, Rātā has provided $607 million in social impact to community organisations across its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands.
It manages a $700 million pūtea, generating $26 million per annum to invest in its funding regions.
Rātā long-term strategic objective is to invest in communities to enable a higher standard of community well-being. It int
