“We know that Aotea Group’s support is actively assisting in something that makes a genuine difference, now and into the future.”
That's how Aotea Group Holdings CEO James Ewart describes the company's support for the Otago Medical Research Foundation.
For Aotea Group, one of New Zealand's largest specialty trades companies with 50 years of history and 1600 staff, including 300 apprentices, the decision to provide funding to the Otago Medical Research Foundation was an obvious choice. When Aotea Group Holdings was first formed, leadership saw sponsorship as a meaningful way to give back.
"We have businesses in every province, and each local business supports a wide range of things important to them, including sports teams and local communities." That focus continues, but the intention when Aotea Group Holdings was established in 2010 was to undertake a significant initiative on a national scale.
While the board debated various charities, they quickly realised that supporting medical research could provide cumulative value over many years, as small projects grew into significant studies and their results made their way into health care.
Aotea shareholders appreciate the support for the Otago Medical Research Foundation and medical research foundations in Auckland and Canterbury, recognising that consistent contributions, no matter how big or small, create lasting impact.
"Even saving one life and saving the grief for one family would make a difference, but potentially our investment is saving many, many more." There is also value for James in hearing about the research – it's not just handing money over, it's understanding where it is going.
"Finding out about each researcher's work – what they are doing and why, what problems they want to solve – is rewarding. It's stimulating for us to find out about things that we otherwise know nothing about – including some really ground-breaking research. And we're active in that process, we're part of their innovation and discovery."
Similarly, James sees Aotea Group as an incubator, bringing together a wide range of trade services to help businesses get off the ground, including electrical, communications, security, plumbing, fire safety, HVAC, and solar. "We understand the importance of idea incubation."
Many of the Aotea Group team enjoy attending the Foundation's events and luncheons, bringing clients along to showcase the impact of fundraising initiatives.
"We're proud to be part of that innovation, and of the future of medicine."