Fa’avae Foundation
The Fa’avae Foundation, established in 1996 by Phil and Jan Fa’avae, created a fund that is currently managed by the Top of the South Community Foundation. Originally, the Nelson Pacific Island Community collaborated with the Fa’avaes to establish the Nelson Pacific Island Afterschool Study Programme. Unfortunately, the programme came to an end in 2013 following Jan's tragic passing in a car accident. Phil, who hailed from Samoa, expressed his desire for the fund to be utilised primarily for the educational development of Pacifika Youth in the region. Phil passed away in 2018.
Phil and Jan were renowned for their generosity, dedicating their time and energy to assist Pacific Island families and students in integrating into New Zealand. They consistently provided support to Samoa and other islands, notably through the establishment of the Samoan Tsunami Aid Relief (S.T.A.R) in 2009. This initiative focused on sending containers filled with building materials to the severely affected villages.
Thanks to the collaboration between Janice Howard, Tapita Ching, Duncan Cotterill Lawyers, and Phil and Jan's children—Zariana, Braden, and Nathan—the Top of the South Community Foundation joined forces to manage the fund, ensuring its continuous support for the Pacific Community.
Pacifika youth in the region are afforded the opportunity to participate in Outdoor Adventure Programmes provided by Whenua Iti Outdoors.
The family warmly welcomes and encourages donors to contribute to the Fa’avae Foundation by making donations to the Top of the South Community Foundation. All donations will be directly utilised for the educational advancement of Pacifika Youth in the Top of the South region.
