How does the Trust work?

The Trust is a not-for-profit organisation established to improve economic and social opportunities for the people of Horowhenua. We engage in meaningful projects or initiatives that either directly contribute to this purpose,  or that generate revenue that is 100% re-invested or distributed back to the community. 

Is the Horowhenua New Zealand Trust a registered charity?

The Horowhenua New Zealand Trust is a not-for-profit organisation set up for charitable purposes. Given that the Trust’s subsidiaries will engage in commercial activities, we are not a registered with the Companies Office for tax purposes.

How many trustees are there?

We currently have five trustees: Antony Young (Chair), Sarah Ryan, Ron Turk, Evan Kroll, and Larry Ellison.  For more information, please click here.

What is the trustee application process?

Interested parties can become a trustee by registering their interest via email. A representative of the Trust will then send through an application form. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by trustee members and judged by certain criteria. 

Judgment criteria may include knowledge and experience, qualifications, mandatory requirements set by the legislation, and diversity and the need to represent all voices.

For more information about this process - please click here 

What is The Horowhenua Company?

The Horowhenua Company Ltd (THCL) is the Horowhenua New Zealand Trust’s commercial operating arm. 

Why does the Horowhenua New Zealand Trust need a commercial arm?

It is established to perform several necessary services and commercial transactions on behalf and to the benefit of the Trust.

This includes contracting staff and suppliers; exploring funding and partnership opportunities; performing business functions and services; and negotiating undertaking commercial agreements.  It also provides legal protection and separation to assets owned by the Trust.  The company is 100% owned by the Trust.  THCL has its own Board and management to operate with freedom, but is required to meet the aims and interests as stipulated in the HNZT trust deed.

What projects are you working on?

View the current project list here 

Is the Trust part of the Horowhenua District Council?

The Trust is an independent organisation that is separate in structure and in governance from the Council.

The Trust works in the Horowhenua community alongside many organisations including the Horowhenua District Council. 

We hold a contract with the council to deliver Economic Development services. This includes; connecting the community with data and insights, holding professional development and networking events, advocating and supporting the growth of business in Horowhenua and encouraging businesses to relocate to the district. This means the Trust is a service provider to the Council, just like Higgins, or Downers, or BECA.