Fa’avae Foundation
The Fa’avae Foundation
The Fa’avae Foundation was established in 1996 by Phil and Jan Fa’avae, with a fund now managed by the Top of the South Community Foundation. Originally, the Nelson Pacific Island Community partnered with the Fa’avaes to launch the Nelson Pacific Island Afterschool Study Programme. Sadly, the programme ended in 2013 following Jan’s tragic passing in a car accident.
Phil, who was born in Samoa, was deeply committed to supporting Pacific youth. He expressed a strong wish for the fund to be used primarily for the educational development of Pasifika youth in the region. Phil passed away in 2018.
Phil and Jan were widely known for their generosity, tirelessly helping Pacific Island families and students integrate into life in New Zealand. They also provided significant support back to Samoa and other islands. In 2009, they established the Samoan Tsunami Aid Relief (S.T.A.R), which sent containers of building materials to devastated villages following the tsunami.
Thanks to the collaboration of Janice Howard, Tapita Ching, Duncan Cotterill Lawyers, and Phil and Jan’s children, Zariana, Braden, and Nathan, the fund continues today under the care of the Top of the South Community Foundation, ensuring ongoing support for the Pacific community.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and 2026
The goal for 2025 and 2026 is to grow the Foundation’s endowment fund, so that the annual interest earned can be used to create meaningful opportunities for Pasifika youth in the region. Key areas of focus include education, health, and encouraging pathways toward higher-earning careers.
Importantly, donations to the Foundation are invested in perpetuity, none of the principal is spent. Only the interest from the fund is used to support initiatives.
The Fa’avae family warmly welcomes and encourages donors to contribute to the Fa’avae Foundation through the Top of the South Community Foundation. Every donation helps create lasting opportunities for the educational advancement of Pasifika youth in the Top of the South region.
