Tena koutou,

Being part of the Rotorua Trust on its 30th anniversary is a privilege. It marks three decades of supporting our community. From funding grassroots programs to large-scale projects, the community’s aspirations are at the Trust’s forefront and decision making, and relationships are at the roots of our operations.

I recognise the elected Trustees for their stewardship of the Trust’s funds and our operations team, Kaycie, Megan, and Nicola, for their hard work supporting the organisation through a changing and positive 2023/2024 financial year.

As Chief Executive, I look forward to continuing the legacy and growing the impact of the Trust’s 30-year history long into the future. The Trust partners with many organisations to make a difference within the Rotorua Community, following the principle, ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini, ‘my strength is not as an individual but as a collective’.

As a nation, we faced an increasing cost of living, rising mental health concerns and a housing and climate crisis. Whilst our region has faced these challenges, the Trust is here to support community-led, long-term, lasting solutions that lead the way for our vision of a ‘vibrant and resilient Rotorua for us all’. I commend our trustees for making difficult, sound decisions throughout a heightened demand for philanthropic funding. Through grants, the Trust has continued to support entities to maximise community impact in focus areas, while looking to respond quickly to emerging issues and opportunities and co-operating where possible.  

In 2023, the Trust focused on its five strategic priorities and approved $4.52 million of community grants that align with our strategic direction. Healthy families and strengthening our community aim to provide safe, warm housing, enable our tamariki and our community to thrive, and to build participation and belonging. Our education priority is an investment in our people’s capacity to engage in education and employment. At the same time, environment and vibrancy focus on the longer term future, on showcasing and uplifting the talent of our people, protecting and nourishing the taonga of this amazing place we call home, and that many manuhiri visit every year.

As we focus on the future, we will continue to partner with local and central government, iwi, and community providers to support and find solutions to our community’s needs and aspirations.

Through robust strategic planning, sound management and effective leadership, we are committed to ensuring the Trust’s sustainability for generations to come.  This is the Trust, of our people, of our community, and we aim to strengthen it for every generation, mō tātau katoa, for all of us.

Nāku, nā

Blair Gilbert

Chief Executive