Trust Horizon shares another year’s highlights with release of 2022 Community Update

Trust Horizon has published its 2022 Community Update, sharing the highlights of another year of supporting positive change within the Eastern Bay. 

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Trust Horizon has lent their support to a number of projects throughout the community – with grants totalling $1.74 million. Projects featured in the update include the transformation of Ōpōtiki’s local community skatepark, upgrades to Kawerau’s Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool Complex, the launch of the COVID-19 Response Fund, and many more. The Trust also continued to support the Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme – contributing a total of $198,000 to help insulate 323 homes between April 2021 and March 2022.

Over the last year, Trust Horizon has also continued to deliver on its mission to deliver transformational investment in the Eastern Bay. The update details the Trust’s investment of $5 million in leading solar energy company, Lodestone Energy. This will support the development of five solar farms – two of which will be located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. 

The Trust also increased its 2020 $1.5 million investment in Whakatōhea Mussels Ōpōtiki Ltd. to a total of $2.5 million. “This investment aims to build on Whakatōhea’s success in establishing a world-class open ocean mussel farm,” says Trust Horizon Chief Executive, Derek Caudwell. “Alongside the Trust’s investment in Lodestone Energy, it’s a strong indication of our continued focus on projects that will bring lasting benefits to the entire region.”

In the 2021-2022 year, the Trust received 52 applications for funding, and approved 87%. “This high approval rate is a true testament to the great work of all our local applicants and businesses, and the value they bring to our communities,” says Trust Horizon Chairman, David Glover. “The Trust would like to say thank you to all those leaders in the community who have driven these projects, and made their positive changes a reality.” Trust Horizon also extends its thanks to the wider Trust team and Horizon Energy Group, who have had another successful year and provided a highlights section within the update. 

This year, Trust Horizon’s Public Meeting will take place on 27th October from 10-11 am. The meeting is open to the general public and is an opportunity to provide feedback on business plans, audited accounts, annual reports, and other matters. Please email reception@trusthorizon.org.nz if you wish to attend or speak at this year’s meeting.

To read Trust Horizon’s 2022 Community Update in full, download it here. The update will also be distributed in the 21 September Beacon and 22 September Ōpōtiki News.

The 2022 Trust Horizon financial statements can also be downloaded here.