Community Trusts 2026 Candidate Information Sheet
Community trusts fund activities that directly benefit their communities
The community trusts (the trusts) are governed by their individual trust deed, and the Community
Trusts Act 1999. Each trust is responsible for managing a large investment portfolio, as well as
carrying out policies to ensure the distribution of grants for charitable, cultural, philanthropic,
recreational and other purposes beneficial to its community.
Trustees are appointed for terms of up to four years and are eligible for reappointment. Trustees
continue in office, despite the expiry of their term, until a further appointment decision is made.
Trustees work together to make investment decisions, to grant funding for community projects and
activities, and to set the trust’s policy direction and strategic plans.
Trustees need to have a good understanding of, and connections to, the communities which they
serve. They must also be able to commit up to two working days a month to the trust.
Skil s and attributes desired Each trust should ideally have the following mix of skills and experience:
1. governance experience;
2. community involvement;
3. investment experience;
4. grant making experience;
5. strategic thinking; and
6. legal expertise.
Māori, Pasifika, ethnic perspectives reflective of the specific region’s diversity, and geographic
representation are also desirable in candidates.
The specific criteria for each trust can be found on pages 2 to 5 of this information sheet.
Location People considered for appointment
must reside within the grant distribution area of the trust.
Impartiality
Appointed trustees must be impartial. Irrespective of political interests and personal beliefs, trustees
must conduct themselves in a way that enables them to act effectively under current and future
governments and serves the wider needs of the community.
Public servants seeking appointment to trusts Cabinet has agreed that Ministers
should not general y appoint public servants to statutory bodies
but that there may be special circumstances in which employees of Public Service departments can
be appointed. Further information is provided in
the State Services Commission’s Board Appointment
under the Official Information Act 1982
and Induction Guidelines (see page 16), and Cabinet Office circulars
CO (02) 5: Appointment of Public
Servants to Statutory Board, and
CO (22) 2: Revised Fees Framework for members appointed to
bodies in which the Crown has an interest (especially paragraphs 73-79).
Nomination process
Any person seeking appointment to a community trust must provide a full and up-to-date curriculum
vitae, cover letter, completed expression of interest form, and photo ID (New Zealand Passport or
Drivers License).
Completed documents should be sent to
[email address] by
5pm 1 May 2026.
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Please note that any nomination may not necessarily result in the appointment of a particular
person.
Page 1 of 5
Waikato Community Trust selection criteria and trustee fee
The
Waikato Community Trust is seeking nominations from candidates who meet the following
key criteria:
• accounting experience
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• investment experience
• legal experience
• knowledge of te ao Māori, Pasifika, and ethnic communities.
• community involvement
• governance.
The trustee fee is $13,931.50 per annum
Eastern and Central Community Trust selection criteria and trustee fee
The
Eastern and Central Community Trust is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one
or more of the following key criteria:
• extensive governance experience
• a finance and investment background
• legal expertise
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• community involvement
• grant-making experience
• strategic thinking.
The trustee fee is $13,200 per annum
Toi Foundation selection criteria and trustee fee
The
Toi Foundation is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one or more of the
following key criteria:
• governance experience
• banking
• legal expertise
• accountancy knowledge and experience
• a finance and investment background
• community involvement
• grant-making experience
• strategic thinking.
The trustee fee is $11,000 per annum
under the Official Information Act 1982
Whanganui Community Foundation selection criteria and trustee fee
The
Whanganui Community Foundation is seeking nominations from candidates who meet the
following key criteria:
• resides in Waimarino or Rangitikei
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• an understanding of and connections with Māori communities, including hapu and iwi who
have mana whenua in the region.
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• represent a younger demographic
• reflect the ethnic and gender diversity in our region
• Commerce, finance, investment acumen or experience
• strategic thinking
• legal expertise.
The trustee fee is $6,600
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Wel ington Community Fund selection criteria and trustee fee The
Wel ington Community Fund is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one or more
of the following key criteria:
• knowledge of, and networks in, Pacific/Pasifika communities
• investment management experience
• brings a youth perspective.
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• governance experience
• community involvement
1982
• grant-making experience
• knowledge of or, and networks in, the region’s ethnic communities.
The trustee fee is $6,600 per annum
Act
West Coast Community Trust selection criteria and trustee fee
The
West Coast Community Trust is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one or more
of the following key criteria:
• a sound knowledge of investment principles and how to apply them to an investment
strategy
• experience in the voluntary sector, including supporting diversity within the region’s not-
for-profit organisations
• experience in understanding and applying the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi
Information
• an understanding of the effects climate change is having on West Coast communities
• strategic thinking
As well as the key criteria above, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• a background in accounting or legal services
• understand the fiduciary obligations
1of a Trustee
• governance experience especially in the philanthropic sector
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• grant-making experience
• computer literacy skills
The trustee fee is $2,640 per annum
the
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1 Acting for the benefit of the beneficiaries: Trustees must manage the trust in a way that promotes the benefit of
the beneficiaries.
Compliance with relevant statutes: Trustees must adhere to the laws governing trusts and the terms of the trust
document.
Diligent management: Trustees must manage the trust prudently and with skil , considering the interests of al
beneficiaries.
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Maintaining accurate records: Trustees are required to keep accurate records of al transactions and decisions
made regarding the trust.
Acting impartially: Trustees must avoid conflicts of interest and make decisions that are fair and impartial to all
beneficiaries.
These duties are essential for ensuring the trust is managed responsibly and in the best interest of its
beneficiaries.
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Rata Foundation selection criteria and trustee fee The
Rātā Foundation is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one or more of the
following key criteria:
• has held a senior executive role in a large organisation
• governance experience
• investment experience.
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• community involvement
• grant-making experience
1982
• strategic thinking
• legal expertise.
The trustee fee is $15,400 per annum
Act
Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury selection criteria and trustee fee
The
Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury is seeking nominations from candidates who
represent the
Waimate District and meet one or more of the following key criteria:
• governance experience
• community involvement
• investment experience
• grant-making experience
• strategic thinking
• legal expertise.
Information
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• Māori (preferably Manawhenua) and/or other minority cultural backgrounds
• experience with other community organisations and have good local networks
• a youth perspective
• commercial experience.
The trustee fee is $7,650 per annum Official
Otago Community Trust selection criteria and trustee fee
the
The
Otago Community Trust is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one or more of the
following key criteria:
• Connections with Pasifika communities
• representation from the Upper Clutha (Wānaka) area
• legal qualifications and experience
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• knowledge / experience of Otago’s rural and isolated communities
• knowledge / experience of Otago’s mental health, addiction or social services
knowledge / experience of Otago’s rainbow community. As well as the above key criteria,
candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• governance experience
• community involvement
• investment experience
• grant-making experience
• strategic thinking.
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The trustee fee is $13,200 per annum
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Community Trust South selection criteria and trustee fee
Community Trust South is seeking nominations from candidates who meet one or more of the
following key criteria:
• education sector knowledge
• rural sector knowledge
• youth representation
As well as the above key criteria, candidates are sought with experience in some of the following:
• governance experience
• community involvement
• investment experience
1982
• grant-making experience
• strategic thinking
• legal expertise.
Act
The trustee fee is $15,675 per annum
Information
Official
the
under
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Document Outline
