WAYNE JAMES FRANCIS
Wayne was born in Christchurch in 1943. He started out as a shearer and farmer but later became well-known in land development and as a co-founder of the Nevele R Stud, one of New Zealand’s leading standardbred studs.
His passion for helping young people stemmed from his own experiences as a parent, including the loss of his son, Nicholas.
Wayne died of cancer in 1999. Before his death, he established the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust to ensure support and opportunities for Ōtautahi’s young people to experience mental wellness and lives lived at full potential.
Wayne's daughter, Helena, has been leading the efforts of the Trust for over 20 years and emphasises the importance of the Trust advancing with the times; working in a way that acknowledges inequities, privilege, diversity and drives for change.
To honour the past and Wayne's aspirations for young people, the Trust's mahi will continue to evolve with the needs of young people and their communities.