JANA expands NFP portfolio with Community South Trust

Community Trust South holds in trust more than $250 million (NZD) and has provided financial support to hundreds of people and communities across the South, covering Southland, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Tapanui and Heriot areas for over three decades, distributing millions of dollars in grants, scholarships and community loans.

With Community Trust South’s appointment of JANA, the investment consultant now advises one quarter of New Zealand’s community trusts, where it has a strong track record in delivering sustained outperformance for clients such as Trust Waikato and the country’s largest philanthropic trust, Foundation North.

Supporting markets including not-for-profits (NFPs) and broader diversified clients remains a key strategic focus for JANA. “There’s a lot of opportunity for JANA to support more NFP organisations, such as for-purpose organisations, foundations and universities, who can benefit from having an independent, institutional investment consultant,” said David Surridge, Principal Consultant and Head of New Zealand at JANA.

“We all know that there is no one size fits all when it comes to investing, especially in NZ as organisations pursue their Te Tiriti, net-zero, and unique ESG commitments. This rings even more true for NFP organisations whose strategies need to centre and align deeply to their purpose and mission while still generating enough revenue to support them in their long-term success.”

Jackie Flutey, General Manager for Community South Trust, said on JANA’s appointment, “JANA’s community trust and endowment experience is incomparable. This, combined with the strength of the JANA team, their global research and real asset capabilities, cemented our decision to embark on this partnership with them.

“We are excited to work with JANA to grow our capabilities to serve our local community and drive more partnerships that will achieve the greatest impact on our funding priorities to achieve a thriving south.”

Effective 1 January 2023, JANA will provide traditional advisory services, strategic advice and portfolio construction and risk assessment for Community Trust South.