Trust Horizon Private Bill progresses through Parliament with strong local support

Trust Horizon’s Private Bill is continuing its steady progress through Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the Trust’s long-term goal to broaden its ability to support communities across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The Trust Horizon (Trust Variation) Bill was formally introduced to Parliament on 26 February 2026, before completing its first reading on 11 March 2026, where it received positive engagement across the House.

The Bill proposes amendments to the Trust Deed that would expand the Trust’s scope beyond its historic focus on energy-related purposes, enabling wider charitable funding for the benefit of communities across Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, and Kaingaroa Village.

Trust Horizon Chief Executive Derek Caudwell says the Bill represents an important step forward in ensuring the Trust can continue to meet the region’s evolving needs.

“Trust Horizon has a long history of supporting community outcomes across the Eastern Bay,” Caudwell said. “This Bill ensures we can continue that work in a way that reflects today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

The Bill progressed to a Select Committee hearing on 22 April 2026, where Trust Horizon was given 15 minutes to present its submission and respond to questions. The hearing included four verbal submissions, alongside a number of written submissions, with the majority being in support of the proposed changes – including those from the Settlor of the Trust (Horizon Energy Distribution Limited and its Board), local council, and iwi.

Fellow charitable organisations including BayTrust, TECT, Rotorua Trust, and Philanthropy New Zealand, have also expressed their support – both TECT and Rotorua Trust having already implemented similar amendments to their own trust deeds.

A further hearing was held on the 13 May to respond to the Committee’s questions on the Bill.

Following the Select Committee hearings, the Committee will prepare a report to parliament and this will be considered before the next stage of the parliamentary process.

MP for East Coast Dana Kirkpatrick, who presented the bill, said the level of engagement has been encouraging.

“The Bill is about ensuring Trust Horizon can remain responsive, relevant, and able to deliver meaningful impact for our region,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s been really positive to see thoughtful input and debate from across the community.”

Trust Horizon Chair, David Glover, said the Trustees were looking forward to the next stages of the process. “This change has the potential to unlock millions more in funding for the Eastern Bay each year,” Glover said. “We thank all those across the community who have engaged with us, and supported the Trust in working to make it possible.”

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.