After a turbulent year marked by financial challenges and leadership change, OutLine Aotearoa is working to restore stability and confidence in its future. YOUR EX speaks to OutLine Board Co-Chair Shane Kelly to discuss the current state of the charity’s finances, lessons learned from the past year, and what lies ahead for the organisation and its community.
How would you describe OutLine’s current financial position following the SGM?
OutLine’s financial position is stable and under disciplined management. Since the SGM, the Board has tightened financial controls, reduced non-essential costs, and approved a balanced budget for the year ahead. These steps ensure OutLine can meet its obligations while continuing core mahi and services.
Can you confirm whether OutLine is now considered solvent and able to continue operating?
Yes. OutLine is meeting its financial commitments and operating within its means. Ongoing oversight and monitoring give the Board confidence that services can continue uninterrupted while broader governance improvements progress.
What steps has the Board taken since June to strengthen financial oversight and internal controls?
The Board recognised areas for improvement in previous governance processes and has since updated key policies and procedures. Regular reviews and independent checks are ongoing to ensure lessons have been learned.
Has the Board now completed the financial audit referred to in the 2025 Annual Report?
The independent audit for the 2024/25 year is still in progress. It will conclude once all information has been verified and supporting documentation reconciled. The Board will release the results to members once the process is complete and formally signed off.
What lessons or changes have emerged from this review process?
The review highlighted the need for clearer reporting and consistent oversight. The Board is applying these lessons through updated governance practices and stronger accountability measures, while continuing to reflect on our approach and how we can strengthen these further for future sustainability.
The 2025 Annual Report mentioned undocumented credit card transactions and a tax repayment plan with Inland Revenue. Has this been fully resolved?
The organisation is meeting its current taxation obligations, with repayments for arrears now underway. A new budget and clear processes are now in place to ensure all spending is properly authorised and recorded.
Has Charities Services or Inland Revenue issued any formal guidance or findings following their engagement with OutLine?
They’ve not issued any formal guidance or findings, but we have been in regular contact and are maintaining open communication with them as we progress with our review.
Is there any ongoing investigation or review process — financial, governance, or otherwise — that you can comment on?
The Board continues to cooperate fully with all relevant reviews and reporting processes. While specific matters cannot be discussed, the focus remains on ensuring accuracy, accountability, and transparency in all governance activity.
How is the organisation managing day-to-day leadership following the former CEO’s resignation?
The organisation’s day-to-day operations are managed under Board oversight, supported by kaimahi with relevant experience. This structure maintains service continuity and stability during this current phase.
Will OutLine be appointing a new permanent Chief Executive, and if so, what’s the timeframe?
The Board is considering future leadership needs as part of wider organisational planning. Recruitment decisions will be made once current governance and financial review work is complete. The immediate focus remains stability, service delivery, and sustainable operations.
How is staff morale and volunteer engagement since the leadership change?
It has been a challenging time for OutLine, and the Board acknowledges that. A staff restructure was necessary to align resources with financial capacity and ensure services could continue. While this was a difficult decision, we are grateful for the professionalism and mahi of staff who have contributed to OutLine. We continue to work closely with volunteers to ensure they are supported and remain connected as they help sustain services for the community. As the organisation is now meeting its financial commitments and operating within its means, the mood is lifting and morale is returning.
What message would you like to send to donors, volunteers, and the wider rainbow community about OutLine’s future?
OutLine is in a stable position and focused on its future. The Board’s priority is to maintain reliable services and strong governance while continuing to rebuild trust with the communities we serve. We’re now confident the organisation will thrive again and continue to offer support to the communities we serve. We’re deeply grateful to everyone — our donors, volunteers, and community members — who continue to stand with us and support our kaupapa.
How is the organisation ensuring that transparency and communication with members are maintained going forward?
Regular communication with members, volunteers, and funders is now embedded in Board practice. Updates will continue through reports, hui, and direct correspondence as key milestones are achieved.
Are there any new fundraising or service delivery initiatives planned for the next year?
The Board is developing a funding plan focused on sustainability and operational continuity. Core services of phone and chat support and community partnerships will remain OutLine’s priority for the immediate future.
What role do you see for community input in rebuilding trust and stability at OutLine?
Community feedback remains vital to OutLine’s ongoing recovery. The Board encourages participation through member engagement, consultation, and volunteer involvement. Listening to our wider whānau helps ensure that our mahi is responding to the needs of the communities we serve.
📞 Need support?
OutLine Aotearoa offers free, confidential rainbow-affirming support.
Phone 0800 OUTLINE (688 5463) or visit outline.org.nz
