$170k boost for training
The Inspiring Futures Foundation (IFF) has awarded more than $170,000 in grants to industry organisations for education and training in its latest funding round.
It brings the total value of grants over the past two years to $430,000 for programmes and initiatives to help more New Zealanders succeed.
The IFF was established to provide financial support for those working and studying in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas industries. It has assets of about $25 million, which are largely in managed funds.
Chairman Sturrock Saunders, pictured, says the grants will help businesses and learners across a wide range of industries succeed.
“The industries we support are the backbone of the economy,” he adds. “Young New Zealanders must be encouraged and supported to join them, so we consider it an investment in the future of Kiwis and New Zealand to help fund training and resources to help learners be their best.”
Recipients of grants to date include the Women in Automotive Collective, Institute of Quarrying NZ, Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ, MITO Te Pukenga and NZ Collision Repair Association.
Others to have benefitted are the Outdoor Product Association of NZ, Perform-X Aotearoa, the NZ Drillers’ Federation, Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting NZ, i-Car New Zealand and the Auto Super Shoppe Academy.
In addition, IFF – in conjunction with MITO Te Pukenga – awarded 74 scholarships in 2023 to outstanding learners across a range of industries.
At the foundation’s annual meeting, Louise Sixton and Mark Pizey were confirmed as new trustees.
Pizey is currently chief executive officer of Central Plains Water and has vast experience in mining, irrigation and quarrying. Sixon is general manager of sales and operations at Repco NZ, and brings deep knowledge of the automotive sector.
“Mark and Louise will be real assets to the foundation, and we are delighted with the calibre of these new trustees,” says Saunders.
The IFF acknowledges the outstanding contribution of outgoing trustees George Hollinsworth and Lyndon Leabourne.
“We are further committed to increasing our reach and impact,” Saunders adds. “We are ambitious about our shared industries. We know the IFF will be a proud and strong partner in supporting this with the financial resources we have available annually.”
Applications for the next round of grants can be made from September 1. More information about the IFF and funding can be found online at inspiringfutures.nz.
