Trust Horizon Bill Moves Closer to Expanding Community Funding

Trust Horizon's bid to expand its charitable funding powers has cleared another hurdle in Parliament, with a private bill progressing through the select committee process and attracting widespread support from local organisations, councils, iwi and community groups.

The Trust Horizon (Trust Variation) Bill was introduced to Parliament in February and passed its first reading in March.

If enacted, the legislation would amend the trust deed governing Trust Horizon, allowing the organisation to broaden its funding beyond its traditional focus on energy-related purposes and provide greater support for community initiatives across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The proposed changes would enable funding to be directed to a wider range of charitable purposes benefiting communities in Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki and Kaingaroa Village.

Trust Horizon chief executive Derek Caudwell said the bill was intended to ensure the trust could continue meeting the changing needs of the region.

"Trust Horizon has a long history of supporting community outcomes across the Eastern Bay," he said.

"This bill ensures we can continue that work in a way that reflects today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities."

The bill was considered by a select committee in April, where Trust Horizon representatives presented a submission and answered questions from MPs.

Four verbal submissions were heard, alongside written submissions from a range of organisations and individuals.

According to Trust Horizon, most submissions supported the proposed changes, including those from the trust's settlor, Horizon Energy Distribution Limited, local councils and iwi groups.

Several charitable organisations also backed the proposal, including BayTrust, TECT, Rotorua Trust and Philanthropy New Zealand. Trust Horizon said TECT and Rotorua Trust had previously implemented similar amendments to their own trust deeds.

A further hearing was held in May to address questions from committee members.

The select committee is now expected to prepare its report to Parliament before the bill proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process.

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, who is sponsoring the bill, said the level of public engagement had been encouraging.

"The bill is about ensuring Trust Horizon can remain responsive, relevant and able to deliver meaningful impact for our region," she said.

"It's been really positive to see thoughtful input and debate from across the community."

Trust Horizon chair David Glover said the proposed changes could significantly increase the trust's ability to support local communities.

"This change has the potential to unlock millions more in funding for the Eastern Bay each year," he said.

"We thank all those across the community who have engaged with us and supported the trust in working to make it possible."