Donate to the AMI

The Auckland Museum Institute is the Auckland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi and has a long history of partnership with the Museum.

As a registered charity, the Institute accepts donations and bequests from Members, using the funds to support both the Institute’s own events and also Museum initiatives. Your generous support will assist us in our Mission to support the Museum, promote knowledge-sharing and celebrate creativity.

The Institute and Education Fund

The Institute and Education Fund supports the Institute’s programme of events, as well as additional initiatives undertaken by the AMI Council. Your donation to this Fund assists the Institute to improve its offerings to members and supporting the Museum's goals.

Threskiornis aethiopicus. LB8497

The Archey Fund

The Archey Fund is named for Sir Gilbert Archey (1890-1974), the Director of the Museum from 1924 to 1964 and a notable researcher in zoology and Māori art. The Archey Fund supports initiatives that enhance the reputation of Auckland Museum, increase the experience and skills of Museum staff, strengthens collaborations and increases research on collections. Your donation to this fund will assist the Institute to support research and scholarship at the Museum.

Sturnus unicolor. LB9713

The Cheeseman Fund

The Cheeseman Fund is named for Thomas Cheeseman (1845-1923), the Museum’s curator (at a time when there was only one) for nearly 50 years from 1874 until his death. He was primarily a botanist but also published in other fields of research. The Cheeseman Fund supports initiatives that strengthen, preserve or explore the Museum’s collections. Your donation to this fund will assist the Institute to support the Museum’s collections and their use.

Aptenodytes forsteri. LB13905

Frequently asked questions

+Why are there three different funds?

The Institute’s special purpose Funds have different purposes, largely arising from the original donations and purposes leading to their formation. Today, the AMI operates the Institute and Education Fund which supports the Institute’s own activities, and two funds – the Archey and Cheeseman Funds – which support the Museum’s research and collections respectively.

+How will the money be spent?

The Institute Council determines how special purpose funds are distributed, in line with the Fund purposes. Amounts donated to the Funds and assigned from them are reported in the Institute’s annual accounts; Museum research projects or other activities which are supported by Institute Funds are reported on through presentations to Members.

+Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes – the Institute is a registered charity and any donation over $5 is tax-deductible. A donation receipt will be automatically issued.