Fundraising campaign raises most ever in New Zealand

A fundraising campaign publicly launched by the University of Auckland in 2016 has raised the largest ever amount in New Zealand’s philanthropic history.

The Campaign For All Our Futures, designed to fund research, innovation, and initiatives to support students, had a goal of raising $300 million. At a gala dinner in Auckland on Thursday, 21 November 2019, the University announced that when the campaign closed on 31 October 2019, it had raised $380,271,165.

The total amount comprised 23,592 separate donations, gifted by more than 7,000 donors; almost all were for a specific, nominated purpose. Many of the major gifts were for medical research while other contributions supported donor-funded student scholarships. The very last gift on the evening of 31 October was an online donation of $220 towards the Student Emergency and Wellbeing Fund, from an Australia-based alumnus.

University of Auckland Chancellor Scott St John said the money raised was a crucial part of the University being able to continue to contribute locally and internationally.

“More than any other time, the world faces immense challenges. We are in the middle of a technological revolution, climate change, and an expanding and ageing population. Health and wellness issues are affecting the way and the length of time we live, while the needs of people must be balanced with the impact on the environment and the planet. 

 “By generating new knowledge and providing the highest levels of formal education, research-led universities have a unique role to play in helping meet these challenges and creating a positive future both in New Zealand and internationally.” Read more here…