Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust – and its support of the Rotorua community – has been an important focus for the Trust in the past financial year, says Trust Chairman Stewart Edward.
The Trust has just released its annual report for the 12 months ending 31 March 2018, and chairman Stewart Edward says that a significant amount has been achieved during the current board’s first full year together.
Elected in November 2016, the board completed a strategic review of the Trust and its operations in 2017. As a result, Mr Edward says the focus over the past financial year has been on finalising and implementing a revised funding strategy.
“In particular, we have focused on the areas where the Trust can make the most impact, while at the same time collaborating with fellow funders and providers to ensure the best possible collective outcomes for Rotorua.
“The drive behind the new strategic direction is to future proof the Trust and its contribution to the Rotorua community, by focusing on five key areas: Health and The First 1000 Days; Education and Employment; Vibrancy; Strengthening Communities; and, Energy and the Environment.
“Our kaupapa – a better Rotorua for all, alongside our five key areas of focus, gives the Trust a renewed determination and clarity around the ways we can help make the most impact for our community.”
Funding highlights from the past year include the fruition of two major projects the Trust has supported in past years – Te Aka Mauri, which incorporates the new library and Rotorua Children’s Health Hub ($800,000) and the CARE Village, a world leading dementia facility based in Ngongotaha ($750,000).
Support of the iconic Crankworx and Lakeside events continued, as did further funding for the Healthy Homes project with $250,000 allocated to WISE Better Homes to provide insulation and heating solutions to households from Rotorua’s lower decile communities.
“A further $2.1 million in grants were approved for a range of community groups and causes in the past financial year, bringing the total amount the Trust has invested into the Rotorua community to more than $110 million since 1994. The Trust’s total funds also increased to $151 million ensuring a sound position for the years ahead.”
The Trust’s AGM will be held on Friday 27 July from 1pm at Parksyde Community Centre, on Tarewa Place. The meeting will be preceded by light refreshments from 12.30pm.
For more information or to read the full 2017/18 Annual Report, visit https://rotoruatrust.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-Annual-Report.pdf