Call for Board Nominations 2026
We're looking for two new voices to join the Board of The Liz Soper Foundation of Care.
Since 2018, the Foundation has been removing financial barriers to fun — funding adventures, celebrations, and experiences for New Zealanders living with disabilities who might otherwise miss out. Every dollar donated goes straight to making those moments happen, thanks to Creative Abilities covering 100% of the Foundation's admin costs.
Over 11 funding rounds, we've made more than 125 grants, giving out over $121,000 to help New Zealanders living with disabilities access unforgettable experiences.
We're seeking 2 trustees to join our Board for a 3-year voluntary term, in line with the Trust Deed.
Nominate now
Nominations close 31 August 2026
About the Foundation
The Liz Soper Foundation of Care Trust was established in 2019 by sisters Hannah Gerdin and Clara Budd, in honour of their mother, Liz Soper. The Foundation exists to remove financial barriers to fun — funding adventures, celebrations, and experiences for New Zealanders living with disabilities who might otherwise miss out on life's extraordinary extras.
The Foundation is a registered charitable trust (Charities Registration CC56886), governed by a Trust Deed dated 21 February 2019.
What being a Trustee involves
- Governance oversight of the Trust's charitable objects, funding decisions, and overall direction
- Attending Board meetings as needed throughout the year (a quorum of 3 trustees is required); many decisions can also be made by written resolution without a meeting
- Reviewing and approving grant round decisions — helping decide who receives funding and for what experiences
- Attending the Annual General Meeting each year, where the Board reviews finances, grant activity, and appoints a Chairperson
- Overseeing the Foundation's annual financial statements and overall financial health
- Acting as an ambassador for the Foundation — helping build community connections, fundraising support, and awareness
Key facts
| Term length | 3 years, with eligibility for reappointment |
|---|---|
| Board size | Between 2 and 6 trustees at any time (likely transitioning to 4 continuing trustees plus 2 new appointments) |
| Meetings | Board meetings typically every 8 weeks (online or in person) and 1x Annual General Meeting per year |
| Eligibility requirement | At least one trustee must always be a lineal descendant of Elizabeth (Liz) Soper — currently satisfied by two trustees |
| Remuneration | Trustee positions are voluntary (unpaid), in keeping with the Foundation's charitable purpose |
| Appointment process | New trustees are appointed by resolution of the majority of the continuing Board, per the Trust Deed |
What we're looking for
For this nomination round, we're especially keen to hear from people with:
- Governance or trustee experience
- Fundraising skills or strong community connections
A genuine belief in the Foundation's purpose — helping New Zealanders living with disabilities access unforgettable experiences — matters more than any single qualification.
Legal responsibilities, in brief
Trustees are expected to act honestly and in good faith in pursuing the Foundation's charitable objects, consistent with general trustee duties under the Trusts Act 2019. The Trust Deed provides that trustees are not personally liable for losses to Trust property, except where a loss results from a trustee's own wilful default. A full copy of the Trust Deed is available on request for anyone shortlisted or seriously considering nomination.
Next steps
To nominate, email foundationofcare@creativeabilities.co.nz with a brief outline of your interest and experience — nominations close 31 August 2026.
We're happy to answer any questions before you decide — just reach out to foundationofcare@creativeabilities.co.nz or call Hannah (021 918 366) or Clara (021 425 272) directly.
The Liz Soper Foundation of Care • Registered Charity CC56886 • foundationofcare@creativeabilities.co.nz
WHY WE EXIST
To remove financial barriers to FUN.
We exist to remove financial barriers to fun — the kind that prevent New Zealanders living with disabilities from accessing the extraordinary extras in life: the adventures, celebrations, and experiences that bring joy and connection.
For many of our recipients, who often live in full-time care, government funding gratefully covers the essentials of day-to-day living — but it rarely stretches to what we like to call the extra-careicular: those moments that expand horizons, create connections, and deliver unforgettable, extraordinary experiences.
Through The Liz Soper Foundation of Care, we make those moments possible — turning dreams into memories that last a lifetime.
In Partnership
The Liz Soper Foundation of Care was established in 2018 by sisters Clara and Hannah in honour of their mum, Liz, when they took over the reins of Creative Abilities. Liz always made fun happen — she never saw barriers, only opportunities to live life to its fullest.
To honour their mum and the vision on which Creative Abilities was built, Creative Abilities funds 100% of the Foundation’s administrative costs, ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly towards making experiences happen for grant recipients.
Beyond this, Creative Abilities also seed funds the Foundation’s annual fundraising event — The Colour Dash — helping to bring the event to life and raise the core funds that sustain the Foundation’s work.
New Zealanders living with disabilities from across the country are eligible to apply for grants — you don’t need to be part of the Creative Abilities community to receive our support in getting out there and living life to the fullest.
Eligibility
Recipients of a Liz Soper Foundation of Care Award must be:
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents residing in New Zealand.
Persons living with disabilities who require care and/or support to participate in extracurricular activities or recreational experiences.
Aged 18 years or older at the time the application is submitted.
The recipient of an award may or may not be the applicant (for example, a family member or support person may apply on their behalf).
How can you support?
BEQUEATH
Leave a lasting legacy by including the Foundation in your will.
PARTNER
Become a sponsor/contributor to our Colour Dash event.
DONATE AN EXPERIENCE
In the business of fun? Donate an experience — we’ll match it with someone who’ll never forget it.
Together, we can make extraordinary experiences possible.
Care should be Liz’s middle name! She is one of the most selfless people I know and over the years has welcomed us and countless others into her family with open arms. There is always room at Liz’s table and even more so in Liz’s heart.
Helen Kilding, Takapuna
Liz is not only a great professional but a wonderful human being. Despite being an entrepreneur in her own right, money-making has never been her priority. Liz is one of those rare species of true social workers for whom the welfare of some of the most vulnerable members of our society takes precedence over everything else.
Dr Hemant Thakkar, North Shore
I have known Liz since I was 4 or 5 when she would take me swimming every Sunday night. I think she is very caring and she is helpful and she is wonderful and she is loving. She was always there was always for my family too. I think as clients we never forget Liz is the best.
Maxine Morgan, North Shore
She is an INFLUENCER who brings humour, compassion and empathy to improve the lives of others
Robyn & Richard Fraser, Queenstown
Liz has given many opportunities to grow in the company [Creative Abilities] starting as a Caregiver to where I am now today part of the Senior Leadership Team. Liz has taught me many skills over the years, she has taught me to look inside myself, be confident and she has shown me a way to support people like no other person has.
Christina Vaingalo, North Shore
Liz is an incredible woman who has done an amazing job of making life a whole lot better for so many disadvantaged young people.
Rhonda Clarke, a Grateful Parent, Auckland
LET'S CONNECT
FIND US
14 Silverfield Estate
Wairau Valley
Auckland 0627
TALK TO US
09 444 0608
