Media release: New Chief Philanthropic Officer of the Borrin Foundation

​Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i has been appointed Chief Philanthropic Officer of the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation, the Foundation announced today.

The Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation is a philanthropic organisation which supports legal research, education and scholarship. The Foundation’s current strategic focus is on the criminal justice system and family law.

Justice Goddard, Chair of the Borrin Foundation’s Grants and Scholarship Committee, said “The work of the Borrin Foundation is founded on our belief that law is essential to a flourishing society – one that is just, inclusive, tolerant and free. Our vision is of an Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone understands the role and value of the law, and everyone enjoys the protection and opportunity that it provides. This is important at all times, and especially in the unprecedented and challenging circumstances that our society and our legal system are facing.”

Established in 2018 through a $38 million bequest by the late Judge Ian Borrin, the Foundation is in memory of Ian Borrin’s parents, Michael and Suzanne, who came to New Zealand from Poland in the 1930s.

“Ian’s legacy provides us with a great opportunity – and responsibility – to make a difference to New Zealanders, through the law. We view grant-making as a partnership between the Foundation as the ‘Grantor’ and those receiving the grants as the doers.

We are committed to making an impact through effective philanthropy. Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i is well placed to support this goal given her legal training, background in diplomacy, and passion for social justice. We are delighted that she has joined us.” said Justice Goddard.

Ms Solomon-Tanoa’i joins the Borrin Foundation after working on Development Cooperation as an International Civil Servant in the Pacific. She holds a BA/LLB(Hons), has represented New Zealand’s economic and cultural interests overseas during her previous career as a diplomat, and is the writer/producer of a web series on unconscious bias.

Ms Solomon-Tanoa’i succeeds Michelle Wanwimolruk who made a significant contribution to the Foundation and to the philanthropic sector during her term, winning the Philanthropy New Zealand Kiwi Invest − Emerging Leader Award in 2019.

Ms Solomon-Tanoa’i says “While COVID-19 is challenging all of us and changing our way of living and working, the Borrin Foundation is set up to work remotely. We stand ready to support our doers and remain open to approaches from individuals and organisations with ideas and initiatives that can contribute to our vision.”

For more information see www.borrinfoundation.nz

ENDS.

Media Contact

Megan Sety
T: 020 4184 5464
E: megan@borrinfoundation.nz