Liz Greive, the founder of the charity Share My Super, is leveraging her personal wealth and professional background in social work to combat child poverty in Novel Zealand. The organization encourages superannuants to donate some or all of their benefits to a network of charities dedicated to lifting children out of poverty.
From Social Work to Philanthropy
Born in 1952 in the north of England, Greive’s perspective on wealth was shaped by early exposure to post-war rationing and poverty. She recalls visiting grandparents in Ireland who lacked running water and electricity, and seeing classmates struggle without a proper safety net.
In the late 1970s, Greive moved to New Zealand and worked as a social worker in South Auckland. During this period, she worked one full-time and two part-time jobs to maintain financial stability while her husband pursued his degree.
After returning to the UK in the 1980s to run a social work consulting business and eventually moving back to New Zealand in 1990, Greive acquired shares in a successful business. This transition removed the anxiety of paying bills and provided the financial security that now fuels her philanthropic efforts.
Addressing the Cycle of Poverty
Greive highlights a cyclical nature of poverty where poor education leads to low-paid jobs, which in turn traps the next generation. Currently, 180,000 children in New Zealand live in poverty, facing issues such as rheumatic fever.
The significance of this crisis extends beyond health, as Greive notes that food insecurity is the chief driver of domestic violence. The stresses of poverty are also linked to suicides and alcohol and drug abuse.
Share My Super has already raised close to $4 million. While some contributors provide smaller amounts, others have made one-off donations ranging from $40,000 to $70,000.
Advocating for Women’s Financial Literacy
Drawing from her own experience as the primary breadwinner for the first decade of her marriage, Greive urges women to take an active role in managing their finances. She notes that investment and money management remain heavily male-dominated areas.
Greive emphasizes the importance of being engaged with assets and investments, regardless of relationship status. She encourages women to overcome the fear of “looking stupid” in professional financial settings and to take full responsibility for their financial literacy.
Potential for Future Growth
A possible next step for the charity could involve targeting the minor percentage of the population that does not claim their superannuation. Greive observes that approximately 1% of people do not collect their benefits.
If these individuals could be encouraged to collect and donate these funds, it may significantly increase the resources available to partner charities. This could potentially accelerate the effort to provide stability for struggling families.
Share My Super currently partners with several organizations, including Share My Super partners such as KidsCan, Women’s Refuge, Auckland and Wellington City Missions, Te Pa, First Foundation, CPAG, Ako Mātātupu: Teach First NZ, Hillary Outdoors, Variety, and Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of Share My Super?
The charity invites superannuants to donate all or part of their benefits to a collection of charities focused on lifting children out of poverty.
How much has the charity raised so far?
Share My Super has earned close to $4 million.
What financial advice does Liz Greive provide to women?
She advises women to be financially literate, stay engaged with their assets and investments, and take responsibility for their own financial affairs, even in relationships.
How can financial literacy programs better support women in navigating male-dominated investment spaces?
