Millions more in potential funding unlocked as Trust Horizon Bill passes

The Trust Horizon (Trust Variation) Bill has had its third reading in Parliament and has now been passed, officially broadening the Trust’s charitable funding efforts across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The amended Bill and its Royal Assent – scheduled to take place later this month – will legally amend Trust Horizon’s Deed, expanding the Trust’s granting abilities beyond charitable energy-related purposes, to include other charitable purposes that directly or indirectly benefit the District – including Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki and Kaingaroa Village.

Trust Horizon Chair David Glover says reaching the final stages of the Parliamentary process is a significant milestone for the Trust and the communities it serves.

“This has been a very thorough process that has recognised the Trust’s history and its present situation, and Parliament has agreed to unlock greater funding potential for current and future generations of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. We’re extremely pleased to have reached this point,” says Glover. “The proposed change gives Trust Horizon greater flexibility to respond to the needs and opportunities within our communities, while retaining our commitment to supporting energy-related outcomes across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”

Following community consultation, the Bill was formally introduced to Parliament on 26 February 2026, before passing its first reading on 11 March and progressing to the Social Services and Community Committee and hearing process.

The Trust would like to acknowledge all those in the community who took the time to engage with the committee and debate the merits of the changes proposed.

Following that process, the Social Services and Community Committee provided the unanimous recommendation that the amended Bill be passed, including allowing Trust Horizon’s funds to be applied to either Energy Related Charitable Purposes or other Charitable Purposes.

On 2 September, the Bill was presented before the Committee of the Whole House, where MPs considered the Bill in detail and debated any proposed amendments. This was followed by the third reading, where Parliament voted that the Bill should pass, and be given to the Governor-General for Royal Assent. Once Royal Assent takes place later this month, the amendment to Trust Horizon’s Deed will legally take effect.

MP for East Coast Dana Kirkpatrick, has supported the Bill throughout its journey through Parliament. “Trust Horizon has a long history of making a difference in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, and this Bill is about giving the Trust the flexibility to meet the changing needs of our communities,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’m pleased to have supported the Bill through what is a complicated parliamentary process, and I look forward to seeing the impact this change has for the community.”

“Following the passing of the Bill, Trust Horizon will now implement the Trust Deed changes and Trustees expect to be able to accept applications that support other charitable purposes from 1 April 2027. This is to align with setting a new granting budget that supports the two amended purposes,” says Trust CE Derek Caudwell. “We encourage the community to stay engaged with the Trust as we move forwards into this exciting new granting space.”

To find out more visit www.trusthorizon.org.nz/private-bill – or read the bill in full at www.trusthorizon.org.nz/Trust-Horizon-Bill.pdf.