19 October 2021

The Royal New Zealand Ballet is delighted to welcome Nikko Asset Management to its family of sponsors and supporters.

Auckland-based Nikko Asset Management New Zealand, part of the long-established Japan-based Nikko Asset Management, one of Asia’s largest asset managers, has been active in New Zealand since 1994. Nikko AM’s sponsorship of the Royal New Zealand Ballet will include ‘partnering’ Palmerston North-born dancer Luke Cooper, who joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2018.

‘Luke has had to work incredibly hard to make it into the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and through this discipline is now doing what he loves – in the rehearsal studio, onstage and through events in the community’ says Nikko AM NZ Managing Director George Carter. ‘Luke set and achieved his career and dance goals.’

Nikko AM NZ is this week proud to announce the launch of the Nikko AM NZ Freedom Fund – a unique philanthropic investment fund that generates donations from dormant capital to support the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.  All management fees are donated directly to Tearfund and there is no tax deducted from the fund, while investors retain the flexibility to withdraw their capital at any time. Lending your support to this vital cause has never been easier.

‘We are very pleased to be working with Nikko Asset Management and to support them as they launch the Freedom Fund’ says RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker. ‘Tearfund make a real difference to young people’s lives around the globe, and if we can give voice to their work, and support Nikko AM’s own fundraising efforts through the Freedom Fund, we are honoured to play our part.’