News & Insights

JBWere, a leading provider of investment management and philanthropic impact services amongst private clients and in the for-purpose sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Williams as Senior Manager, Philanthropic Services for JBWere New Zealand.

In his new role, Matthew will provide sector-leading support to for-purpose and private clients. His advisory focus will be for-purpose governance, impact strategy, fundraising and other key operational challenges, as well as long-term stewardship of designated funds and philanthropic wealth. 

Matthew brings more than 15 years of executive leadership, governance, and advisory experience across for-purpose strategy, philanthropy and investment in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.

Matthew served as Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving Northern Region until the end of 2023, where he led the organisation through a major sector transformation — including governance restructure, funding overhaul, and a tangible maturing of the respected and relied-upon charity.

Since stepping down, he has continued to serve as a director and trustee across several for-purpose entities, while advising Crown entities, iwi and hapū, philanthropic trusts, private families, and multinational organisations across the Asia–Pacific.

His work has frequently intersected purpose, capital, and policy and has spanned kaupapa Māori engagement, fund governance, capital alignment, and shaping strategy and capability — often in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Reflecting on his appointment, Matthew said:

"JBWere’s enduring commitment to the for-purpose sector, its philanthropic advisory legacy, and the opportunity to help shape something lasting and locally grounded — alongside a capable, values-led investment management team — is a rare opportunity to do important work, with the right people. There’s clear momentum building around intergenerational wealth, iwi capital, and strategic giving in Aotearoa — but with that comes complexity. Clients are looking for advisors who bring clarity, can align purpose and performance, and stay anchored in what matters. That’s the work I’m here to do.” 

Craig Patrick, CEO of JBWere New Zealand, said:

“Matthew brings a rare combination of executive leadership, governance depth, relationship breadth, philanthropic insight, and for-purpose sector fluency. His track record in public and for-purpose leadership, and his work with iwi and philanthropic entities, will strengthen our ability to deliver high-trust, strategic advice to clients committed to long-term impact. His appointment reflects JBWere’s continued commitment to our philanthropic and impact services offering, as part of our Wealth Solutions”

This appointment builds on the continued growth of JBWere’s Philanthropic Services platform and the work of John Morrow, Head of Philanthropic Services, who has led the firm’s offering in New Zealand since 2020. The New Zealand based team includes three senior advisors and a dedicated research capability, delivering sector-leading support to for-purpose and private clients in governance, impact strategy, capital deployment, and long-term stewardship of designated funds and philanthropic wealth.

The role also collaborates with JBWere Australia’s Philanthropic Services Team, and with colleagues across the FirstCape Group, extending insights and influence for clients committed to lasting, positive change.

JBWere Philanthropic Services

JBWere is New Zealand’s leading provider of investment management and philanthropic impact services to the for-purpose sector, entrusted with managing $6bn on behalf of more than 400 charities and other for-purpose organisations. Supporting for-purpose clients is a cornerstone of our business.

In 2001, we established a dedicated Philanthropic Services team to provide specialist support to our charities and philanthropic clients. Today, our Wealth Management and Philanthropic Services teams work with a wide range of clients, including foundations, religious, community, medical and health organisations, operating charities, as well as Māori, council, and educational institutions. We also support intergenerational families in their philanthropic goals.

We offer diversified investment solutions tailored to financial objectives, with options that integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, ethical screens, and decarbonisation policies. Alongside prudent investment management to help clients meet fiduciary obligations, we provide tailored strategic advice and guidance to help them meet their strategic goals and move towards achieving their purpose.

JBWere New Zealand manages $30bn in total FUM and is part of the FirstCape Group.