ABOUT THE TRUST
The Rotorua Trust is a community-focused, not-for profit organisation that exists to create a better Rotorua for all.
Established in 1994 to serve the community of Rotorua, the Trust was formed out of the sale of Rotorua Electricity Limited, with initial capital of $32 million.
Through careful management by past and present Trustees and staff, this capital has grown to over $150 million, with more than $124 million invested back into the Rotorua community since the Trust’s inception.
We work with a wide range of community organisations, which collectively, have a positive impact on nearly every Rotorua resident.
What are we trying to do?
- Effectively and responsibly manage and grow our assets
- Distribute income in a manner that balances the needs of today, while maintaining a legacy for the future
- Create partnerships and work collaboratively to help build the capability and resilience of groups throughout the Rotorua community
To create a better Rotorua for all, we recognise the achievements of the past as a strong foundation for building a resilient, vibrant region for the future.
2023 – 2026 strategy
The organisation has adopted a clear strategic direction, defining priority areas where we believe we can make the biggest impact. By outlining what we, as a Trust, believe in and who we will support, we want to make it clearer for those organisations seeking funding.
As part of our strategy, we’ve enhanced our efforts in the area of facilitation and advice while focusing on the following five priority targets, where we think the Trust can support those organisations to make an impact:
priority areas
Healthy Families
Whānau Ora
We believe:
- Every person has a right to a safe and warm home
- When our tamariki thrive, our communities thrive
- When our people are empowered to take responsibility, their health and well-being improves
We support those that will:
- Work collaboratively with others and are community led
- Create opportunities for our community to have improved equity and well-being
- Encourage self-responsibility and learning
ENVIRONMENT
Taiao Ora
We believe in:
- Protecting and enhancing our taonga of lakes, rivers, flora and fauna
- Incorporating a Te Ao / Mātauranga Māori approach
- A flourishing environment for every generation
We support those that will:
- Recognise Mātauranga Māori and its value
- Work towards our environment being protected, renewed and restored, following a collaborative approach
EDUCATION
Ako Ora
We believe:
- Tamariki attending school / kura regularly are ready to participate and learn
- Rangatahi with a plan towards training and employment stay engaged
We support those that will:
- Collectively provide opportunities for our tamariki and rangatahi to thrive
- Ensure the youth voice is heard
Strengthening communities
Hapori Ora
We believe in:
- Building participation and belonging creates safe and strong communities
- Embracing diversity and inclusion
We support those that will:
- Provide support services to those in greatest need
- Promote a sense of belonging and resilience
- Embrace community led initiatives
VIBRANCY
Wairua Ora
We believe in:
- Supporting positive events and activities improving our community pride and well-being
We support those that will:
- Increase community pride and social cohesion
- Develop creativity and capability
- Provide access and participation opportunities
A vibrant and resilient Rotorua for all.
Investments
Our ability to provide ongoing financial support to community organisations is dependent on the continued growth of our investment fund. This fund has grown from $32 million in 1994 to over $170 million by April 2021, while just over $127 million has been invested back into the community through grants during this time.
Originally, the Trust invested funds through a wholly owned subsidiary – Perpetual Capital Management Ltd. However, from April 2015 management of the Trust’s investments has been undertaken by Mercer NZ Limited.
Mercer’s business model looks to deliver a diversified range of investments and stability of returns. This is key to being able to deliver a consistent level of grants to our community.
The Trust’s funds are currently allocated across a range of ethical investments including Trans-Tasman and global shares, property, infrastructure, natural resources, cash and bonds.
All investment decisions relating to this fund have been determined by our Trustees and detailed in our Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives, which is reviewed annually.
