Investing Wisely
Established in perpetuity, the Trust aims to grow the value
of the capital fund to keep pace with both inflation and
population growth in the region, without taking on undue risk.
We endeavour to ensure that the fund will be worth just as
much for future generations as it is for our communities today.
The Trust’s investments are diversified across a range of asset
classes: global equities, Australasian equities, private equity,
unlisted property, infrastructure, global credit, global fixed
interest, New Zealand fixed interest and cash. As a signatory
to the Principles for Responsible Investment, the Trust
continues to consider ways in which environmental, social
and governance issues may impact on both investments
and communities.
I am delighted to report that the Trust’s investments have
continued to experience considerable growth, returning
11.6% in the financial year, well above the benchmark return
of 9.9% for the portfolio. As at 31 March 2015 the Trust fund
was valued at over $331million. Equally pleasing has been
the rebuilding of reserves to maintain consistent levels of
donations. This has resulted in the Trust committing to a
record $11.2million donations budget for the coming year,
with $2million of that earmarked for a new Significant Capital
Projects Fund.
Donating Ef fectively
Since being formed in 1988, the Trust has donated over
$147million to a variety of projects and community groups
in our region. Approximately $7.6million of donations was
committed during the year. Donations were aligned to
our core principles of valuing and promoting community
development, valuing and facilitating community
organisations, valuing and recognising cultural diversity, and
valuing and respecting Māori as tangata whenua.
A new strategic partnership was established with Wise Trust
for The People’s Project which is addressing homelessness in
Hamilton. We have continued to support the umbrella trusts:
Sport Waikato, Community Waikato and Creative Waikato,
all of which contributed to building the capacity of the
community and voluntary sector in our region.
Significant capital project donations were made to Waikato
Community Hospice Foundation, Te Awa River Ride Charitable
Trust, Te Aroha Events Centre Charitable Trust and Waikato
District Council (for a community hall in Meremere).
The Trust also contributed to a very wide range of sports,
recreation, social service, community development, arts,
cultural and environmental groups, in every part of its region.
Tena koutou katoa –
Greetings to you all
Trust Waikato is firmly focused on its vision of resilient and
vibrant communities throughout the greater Waikato region.
In contributing to that vision, the Trust strives to invest wisely
the capital fund with which it is entrusted and to donate
effectively the proceeds of those investments to benefit
current and future communities.
Chair’s Report
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