“All New Zealanders should have access to reasonable living standards, education and health - given the opportunities life in New Zealand offers.”
— Sir. Henry Kelliher
Austen Deans Kea Hut, Mt Sefton (1962), Purchased 1962 (Detail)
Supporting the community through charitable grants
Through a diverse investment portfolio and management of Glencairn Farm, the Kelliher Charitable trust is able to provide funding to a range of philanthropic activities throughout New Zealand. With a focus on community well-being, heritage, culture, and education, the trust aims to support projects that have a clear goal and specific, measurable outcomes.
Restoration of Colin McCahon’s Painted Windows
Trenton Garratt Glencairn (GPS-37.39073, 174.84199), 2015 (2015), Commissioned 2015
A unique collection of
New Zealand paintings
The Kelliher Art Trust holds a unique collection of New Zealand paintings of which the majority are landscapes. Most of them won prizes or awards in the Kelliher Art Competition and purchased by Sir Henry Kelliher.
Subsequently the collection has been augmented by the purchase of more recent landscapes by established New Zealand artists. In addition, the Trust annually commissions New Zealand landscape paintings from younger contemporary artists.
From time to time the Trust organises exhibitions of paintings from the collection which tour New Zealand art museums.
Supporting higher thinking at University
The core focus of the Kelliher Economics Foundation remains supporting higher thinking at university and other research groups through postgraduate and post doctoral research within New Zealand tertiary institutions.
Imogen Taylor View from Te Ahuahu 2015, Commissioned 2015
William Dargie Portrait of Sir Henry Kelliher (1961), Commissioned 1961
The Kelliher Charitable Trust was established in 1963 by Sir Henry Kelliher
Sir Henry developed a vision for New Zealand and its people, whereby all should have access to reasonable living standards, education and health, given the unique opportunities, life in New Zealand offers.
Economics and wider understanding of money and banking, the arts, the New Zealand way of life and quiet enjoyment of life were basics rights important to Sir Henry. For those less able to look after themselves and who by illness or disability, or, who in the service of New Zealand require assistance, this trust would provide real financial support.
Sir Henry Joseph Kelliher, was born in 1896 into a pioneering farming family in Central Otago where he developed an enterprising spirit and abiding love of the land.
In 1963, he was knighted by the Queen in recognition of his philanthropy and business leadership. He was also a Knight of the Order of Saint John.