This is the full name of what is commonly known as the FSN Trust. The Trust was established in August 1988 as a charitable Trust. In accordance with the Trust Deed the main aims of the Trust are to assist members of the Dutch community in N.Z. who need assistance and support because of age, bereavement, stress or other downturn in life. In particular if these needs are aggravated by cultural or language differences.

In practice this means that this support is mainly given through the branches of the Friendly Support Network, of which there are six in the country:

• Auckland
• Tauranga
• Hamilton
• Manawatu
• Wellington
• Canterbury.

These branches are societies in there own right and have regular activities to support their clients and the volunteers that are providing the services.
The main activities of the FSN branches are:

• Provide companionship and friendly support where needed
• Coffee mornings
• Hospital and home visits
• Assistance with travel
• Organising need based activities

The Trust is managing funds and is actively supporting the FSN branches through financial assistance if needed. The Trust is also managing the “Zwijger Fonds” which is money that is available for people with particular hardship who are not eligible for any other assistance under the N.Z. legislation.
The Trust is presently governed by 5 trustees. These are:

• Jos Jongenelen - Chairman
• Elly Zentveld - Secretary
  
• Dick Wouters - Treasurer
  
• Tonny Geux - Trustee

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