Trust Horizon Bill progresses to second reading with unanimous Select Committee support

Trust Horizon’s Private Bill has continued to make its way through the Parliamentary process, with the Bill now reaching its second reading stage – following unanimous support from the Social Services and Community Committee.

The Bill seeks to amend the Trust Deed – expanding the Trust’s scope beyond energy-related purposes, to wider charitable funding across Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, and Kaingaroa Village.

Formally introduced to Parliament on 26 February this year, the Trust Horizon (Trust Variation) Bill completed its first reading on 11 March, before progressing to a Select Committee hearing in April.

A further hearing was held in May to respond to questions on the Bill. Following this hearing, the Social Services and Community Committee filed their report, indicating their unanimous recommendation to pass all amendments. The Select Committee amendment allows funds to be applied to Energy Related Charitable Purposes or other Charitable Purposes.

During the second reading process, the House will debate and vote on the Bill and any changes suggested by the Social Services and Community Committee. The second reading is scheduled for Wednesday 5 August, after which the Bill will need to go through two further stages – the Committee of the Whole House debate, and the third reading debate, with 16 September being the final member’s day before the election. 

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. The Select Committee report is available here.