A community-owned charitable trust which supports a wide range of local initiatives has three new trustees.

Otago Community (OCT) trustees are responsible for managing funds of more than $285M and distributing funding for the benefit of communities within the region each month.

In just the past couple of months they have provided funding to Wao Aotearoa to deliver its 2023 Wao Summit and Winter Games NZ Charitable Trust to go towards the cost of running the 2023 Winter Games.

Recent funding of $15,000 from the OCT will support playground development at Te Kura O Take Karara.

OCT has also supported Wānaka Musicians Incorporated with funding for Stars in Your Eyes, and local primary school Te Kura O Take Karara with a grant to go towards playground development.

Read more: Funds granted for education, sports

OCT chief executive Jemma Adams welcomed new trustees Carole Adair (Dunedin), Robyn McLean (Dunedin), and Fraser McKenzie (Oamarau), who she said were well-positioned to help the trust “to continue making a positive impact in the region”.

“We are pleased to have three new trustees appointed to the trust and look forward to their contribution,” Jemma said. “We believe the skill sets and knowledge each will bring to the table will be an asset for the trust”.

The new trustees replace Diccon Sim and Malcolm Wong who stepped down at the end of August.

“I wish to thank Diccon and Malcolm for all their hard work and the significant contribution both have both made to the trust over the years,” OCT chair Andy Kilsby said. 

OCT’s objective is to assist community projects that make a ‘significant and positive contribution to Otago communities.

Find more information about the trust and funding opportunities here.