Funds
Friends of the Stadium Fund
ILT Stadium Southland has always been more than just a building it’s a hub for our local community, connection, and shared experiences. A place for everyone.
When it first opened in 2000, it was built on ambition and a vision for the future, a place where people of all ages could come together through sport, recreation, and culture. In 2010, an extraordinary snowfall caused the roof to collapse. For many, it felt like more than just a building had fallen, it was a piece of Southland’s identity. But the response of the community told a different story. Funders, volunteers, and local leaders rallied, not just to rebuild, but to reimagine the stadium. When it reopened in 2014, ILT Stadium Southland returned stronger, larger, and more connected than ever to the people it serves.
“More than a venue, Stadium Southland is the heart of our Southland community.”
Today our ILT Stadium Southland is not defined by its size or scale. It’s defined by the people who pass through its doors, all 500,000 of them, every year, each carrying their own story, and leaving with another. From early morning trainings to events and competitions it is a place where memories live and connections are made. Because while the stadium hosts major events, its greatest impact happens in the everyday, in the small, repeated moments that shape a community’s wellbeing, confidence, and sense of belonging. This could be a first netball game, Polyfest, a magical Christmas show or simply a rainy afternoon that brought young friends together. There are elite athletes training on international-standard courts. Children testing their courage on climbing walls. Cyclists circling New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome as well as the much treaded path around the top of the seating by those looking to exercise out of the winter weather. Community groups gather, schools compete, families watch, and friends reconnect across recreational, sporting, cultural and more.
Inside our stadium, you’ll find something special, a space where everyone belongs.
Friends of the Stadium Fund
ILT Stadium Southland is deeply grateful for the generosity of an anonymous donor who, recognising the important role this facility plays in the Southland community, has established an endowment fund through the Southland Foundation to support its future for generations to come.
This endowment fund is designed to provide long term, sustainable support for the Stadium, with the capital preserved and invested, and a share of the generated income available to support the facility over the long term. In this way, it creates a lasting foundation that will continue to benefit the community well beyond today, ensuring Stadium Southland remains a place for connection, activity and belonging for generations to come.
ILT Stadium Southland is deeply grateful for the generosity of an anonymous donor who, recognising the important role this facility plays in the Southland community, has established an endowment fund through the Southland Foundation to support its future for generations to come. This endowment fund is designed to provide long term, sustainable support for the Stadium, with the capital preserved and invested, and a share of the generated income available to support the facility over the long term. In this way, it creates a lasting foundation that will continue to benefit the community well beyond today, ensuring Stadium Southland remains a place for connection, activity and belonging for generations to come.
A Home for Generations
The Friends of the Stadium Fund is designed to grow over time, creating a stable and enduring source of support for the future of ILT Stadium Southland. It reflects the vital role this facility plays at the heart of our community, a place where people come together through sport, recreation, and shared experiences.
It is a way to honour all those who have contributed to the stadium’s story so far, while ensuring future generations have what they need to continue using, enjoying, and benefiting from this much-loved community space.
How the Fund works
Giving Made Easy
You can give to this fund during your lifetime or as part of a bequest in your will. It is a wonderful way to support the future generations in Southland and ensure they too will have the use of such a vital community facility.
Your Donation
Is pooled and invested and a share of the generated income will be available to support ILT Stadium Southland.
Growth Over Time
As this fund grows over time it will enable a continuous income stream to support the future of ILT Stadium Southland and all those in our community who benefit from this facility.
How do I help this fund grow?
Anyone can contribute to the Friends of the Stadium Fund. Whether you're a community member, long time stadium user, parent, family member, business owner, or former Southlander who still cares about your Southland roots; your gift large or small, helps keep the legacy alive and strong.
Giving during your lifetime could qualify for a 33.3% tax credit. If you would like more information on Southland Foundation, please get in touch below.