ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

Every year we are audited and our financial accounts can be viewed on the Charities Commission website: https://www.charities.govt.nz

Message from the Chairman

Our Annual Impact Report (2023/2024) showcases our work and our positive effect on the thousands of young people who come on board. 2024 sees the Trust head toward 90,000 past Trainees who have been ‘before the mast’. Focusing on Trainees has been our core business for the past 50 years. It is timely that we consider not only the lasting effect of a voyage on those young New Zealanders who have been, but more importantly the impact we may be able to make on them in the future. 

Accepting that the current youth development programme remains relevant, our vessel, the ‘Spirit of New Zealand,’ remains sound, the sea and shore crew, both permanent and volunteer, remains strong, and our financial position is solid, we are very much in the discovery phase of how to achieve that greater impact. 

The Board appointed Strategic Review Task Group is working closely with our dynamic CEO Bruce Pilbrow to present its findings in the New Year. This investment in the Trust’s future is being funded by income generated in the Foundation to which many of our financial supporters have contributed. 

I am always reminded of the poignant words of Mark Twain, ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.’ 

Stephen B Fisher (QSO)  | Chair 

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Message from the CEO

Below is our impact report for the 2023/2024 (March) financial year. We have just completed our annual audit with the BDO team, and we have had a good year. Charity always has challenges, but the organisation remains 100 percent focused on positive outcomes for young people in New Zealand.   

In our 50th year of operation, we have travelled down our beautiful country celebrating and welcoming people aboard with open days at our ports.  We have also given back, through a 50% discount to young people on all 10-day voyages for 2024, in a year when times are financially tough, and they need it the most. (Thanks, Pub Charity, for supporting our vision) 

None of this is possible without a dedicated board, team, volunteers and national, community, individual and corporate supporters. Together, we are making a measurable difference for the next generation.  

Bruce Pilbrow  | CEO