About the Trusts

The Kelliher Charitable Trust

Established in 1963 to fulfil Sir Henry's sincere philanthropic commitment to New Zealanders. This Trust's objectives centre around funding support for educational and charitable purposes.

"I like to improve things. It gives me great satisfaction to make things better wherever feasible; there are so many worthwhile instances where this can be achieved. It is surprising how often the obvious is overlooked with detrimental consequences".

Sir Henry Kelliher; 1980.

The Kelliher Art Trust

The Kelliher Art Trust was established in 1961, with the objective of supporting the arts in New Zealand, particularly landscape paintings which represent the outstanding beauty of this country. The Kelliher Art Award commenced in 1956 and ran until 1977. A core selection of paintings has been retained by the Trust. more...

"My first memories as a boy, a farmer's son, are the mountains, valleys and rivers of Central Otago. It was in these years that I learned to know and love the natural beauties and grandeur of the New Zealand scene in all its changes through the seasons… Later I was to discover throughout our country, different but no less beautiful scenic wonders.

In first setting up the Kelliher competition… my objective was to encourage New Zealand artists to portray the natural beauty of our country in a recognisable and competent manner for all the world to see. I knew the talent to do so was there among our artists, and that all that was needed was some specific stimulus to bring it all to light…".

Sir Henry Kelliher; 1974.

Kelliher Economics Foundation

Established in 1964, the Kelliher Economics Foundation is aimed at encouraging secondary school students to pursue tertiary studies in economics. more...

"I am a free enterpriser. I come from a pioneering family that firmly believed that a man was entitled to enjoy the fruits of his labour and enterprise…".

Sir Henry Kelliher; 1980.

Sir Henry Kelliher

Acknowledgments:
Photograph from The Financial Times, May 10, 1977 By Birch, Rising, Auckland

The Kelliher Charitable Trust, established in 1963, is named after the late Sir Henry Kelliher.

We invite you to explore this web site to gain an insight into the legacy of Sir Henry and the activities of the various charitable entities he established, including The Kelliher Charitable Trust, The Kelliher Art Trust and The Kelliher Economics Foundation, as well as some of the history and folklore of Motu-o-hiaroa (Puketutu Island) in the Manukau Harbour.