‘Exceptional work’ inspires NZCT funding
Left to right – NZCT Grants Manager, Tony Gill, GMRI Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Paul Davis, NZCT Wellington Regional Advisory Committee Chairman, Paul Elenio, NZCT Chief Executive, Mike Knell, NZCT Compliance and Regulatory Manager, Rae Mazengarb, NZCT Chairman, Alan Isaac and Dr Swee Tan
In 2013, New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) acknowledged the value of the GMRI’s work by entering into a three year funding arrangement with the GMRI.
There are two reasons this is significant – medical research is not NZCT’s typical funding space and NZCT only makes multi-year grants in exceptional circumstances. Chief Executive, Mike Knell, explains why the trust chose to support GMRI.
“NZCT is the largest funder of amateur sport in New Zealand with more than 80% of the $40 million we distribute annually going to sports organisations,” Mike says.
“However, when our trustees heard about the exceptional work being done at the GMRI by Dr Swee Tan and his team they wanted to help.
“Our objective is to distribute the funds we raise at our gaming venues in a way that benefits as many people and communities as possible,” he says.
“The work being done by the GMRI is ground-breaking, world class research so we were delighted to be able to provide financial support to this very worthy cause.”
The trust’s chairman, Alan Isaac, and chief executive, Mike Knell and their colleagues, were recently given a guided tour of the GMRI where six students presented a summary of their research findings. Mike says they were very impressed with the quality and depth of the research.
“There is an amazing degree of work being undertaken at the GMRI by some exceptional people, and their work will improve the quality of life for many people – and indeed save many lives.
“The fact this is being done with home-grown talent adds another dimension to the outcomes achieved with our funding.”
Providing agreed criteria are met, NZCT has committed to grant $127,000 pa towards the GMRI’s facilities rental for three years.
