Freemasons Foundation

Freemasons Foundation results

Resilience and calm in volatile market maintains continuance of care.

World events since the Covid epidemic arrived have had economic conditions and financial markets in an erratic and widely variable state with fluctuations that have kept charities and investors on every level alert for what might be coming next.

New Zealand has not been exempt from this volatility which continues to persist both in foreign lands and right here at home.

And so it is with our own Freemasons Foundation. This year we too have been coping with such conditions and have reported, in our Annual Report for the year ended June, a not-surprising substantial drop in income from investments. The Foundation is an important component of the charitable giving programme of Freemasons in New Zealand. Our work is long-established with a proud record of performance which warrants the interest of all Freemasons.

The full results for 2021-22 were presented at the Annual General Meeting held in November. In view of these unusual times the Chairman of the Foundation, MW Bro Mark Winger was very happy to answer a few questions about the demanding times currently being experienced.

Q: Are you worried about the decline in the market returns and the effect that could have on our charity work?

A: No, we are sure that we can manage that. But we are of course, watching very carefully and consulting frequently with our investment advisors JB Were who have served us well for many years. You must remember that our investment strategy is one of long term. We fully intend our 66 years of existence to continue for many more.

A history of Masonic benevolence through medical science

The following are brief excerpts from reports recently received on two Centre for Brain Research projects that were assisted with funding from the Foundation.

Dancing for the ages

To the Freemasons Foundation, I am so pleased that this month I will graduate for my PhD which you so generously supported.

Your support allowed me to research the contribution of dance to the cognitive health of older populations. Across Aotearoa and the globe, population changes are contributing to higher than ever numbers of older adults in our communities. With these changes come increased numbers who are experiencing age-related cognitive impairment and dementia. My research revealed three types of dance activities: choreography, participants creative contribution and activities fostering connection. From this, a unique observational measure for examining dance activities was developed and tested, providing a significant new tool and a way of more closely examining the potential of dance. With deepest gratitude.

Dr Carlene Newall de Jesus

Q: The Foundation’s amount of ‘giving’ is little changed from last year. In the current conditions that seems surprising?

A: That rests on the experience of all investors that all markets will vary over time – some good years, some not so good. Our return this year was negative 8% compared to 12% positive results over the last three years, 32% over five years and 47% over 7 years. All long-term investors like us recognise this and plan accordingly. We review and adjust to remain not only viable but active too.

Q: So who do we support when things look tough and funds are short?

A: So far we have stayed with people where we have built longterm relationships. In many of these we have been a key funder involved in on-going projects, the University’s research is a good example. Or where alternative funding is difficult. Or where ‘need’ is the prime causation as with our friends at the Auckland City Mission. But we will keep reviewing the situation to allow for their situation – and ours.

Q: What are you expecting in this current year and beyond?

A: Well, everywhere you look and everything you hear seems to indicate more of the same in the meantime. It’s impossible to say of course. All we are hearing is that volatility will remain. That is what we are expecting and what we are planning to deal with. But I want to reassure all our members that we will be on guard to protect our heritage and our work and to continue to assist - whatever comes to pass! And just for the record let me remind everyone that in the last fifteen years the Foundation has given the New Zealand community $15.7 million. Let’s tell the world!

Q: Will all this cause any changes in your future grants strategy?

A: For some time now we have been looking at this question and thank those Lodges and Brethren who have responded to our requests for their thoughts on this matter. We want to be in tune with our membership and flexible enough to make changes that will keep our contribution to the community relevant to our society’s needs. There’s more work to do yet. But as you know, Freemasons don’t make changes without thorough and careful consideration!

NOTE: The Foundation is a multi-Constitutional body in Freemasonry in New Zealand and is therefore working on behalf of all New Zealand Freemasons.

Mark Winger

Chairman

There is no better expression of the link between Freemasonry and science, particularly medical science, than the partnership between Freemasons Foundation and The University of Auckland.

Motor Neuron Disease working towards a better future

The Motor Neuron Disease Research Hub coordinates current Motor Neuron Disease (MND) research conducted at the University of Auckland and runs initiatives in genetics to get New Zealanders with MND ‘clinical trial ready’.

Our most important and vital collaborations are with the individuals and families living with MND who participate in our research, and with the donors who provide philanthropic support for our work. This nationwide initiative provides access to genetic testing that is fully supported by genetic counsellors and can lead to clinical trial entry for gene-targeting therapies. We thank you for your extraordinary support, your interest in our work, and your faith in our desire to create real change for people in New Zealand with MND through research.

Dr Emma Scott

(Head of Motor Neuron Disease Lab)

The Foundation can be contacted at: PO Box 28242, Remuera, Auckland 1541. Telephone: (09) 520 6414 Email: info@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Or by visiting 373 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland. Charity Registration No CC27639