Transformational Investment in Community Pride

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.

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.

Following the success of its first appointment under the Future Directors programme, Trust Horizon is now seeking expressions of interest for a new Board Observer. Learn more.

A long-standing partnership between Trust Horizon and the local Curtain Bank is continuing to help Eastern Bay of Plenty homes stay warm and healthy this winter.

The Matatā and Ōpōtiki communities will now be even more resilient in the event of natural disasters, with two Trust Horizon grants providing upgrades for two critical pieces of emergency equipment. Read more.

In a major step towards unlocking millions in future grants that support Eastern Bay of Plenty communities, Trust Horizon’s ‘Trust Variation Bill’ was introduced to parliament on 26 February 2026, by Dana Kirkpatrick, MP for the East Coast.

Stage one of a comprehensive electrical upgrade is underway at Te Hokowhitu A Tū Ki Te Teko, thanks to a $9,797 grant from Trust Horizon. Find out more.

After a community poll indicated strong positive feedback, Trust Horizon is taking the next key steps to change its Trust Deed – and potentially unlock millions more in funding for Eastern Bay of Plenty communities.

2026 is set to be a year of transformation for Tāneatua Rugby Football Club, with a facility-wide electrical upgrade starting soon – thanks to a $197,475 grant from Trust Horizon.

Trident High School’s playing fields will soon be in the spotlight, with the installation of eight brand new floodlights – made possible with the support of a $177,200 grant from Trust Horizon.

The final stage of Whakatāne Intermediate School’s extensive auditorium upgrade is now complete, with the installation of a state-of-the-art digital wall, made possible with a $66,449 grant from Trust Horizon.

Trust Horizon’s Electoral Officer, Dale Ofsoske, advises that Yvonne BOYES and David BULLEY have been elected as trustees to Trust Horizon following an election which concluded at 12 noon on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

A STEMM education project coordinated by Eastbay REAP is fast gaining momentum, with the support of a $225,000 grant from Trust Horizon.

Over the last year, Kawerau’s KEA Centre has seen its electricity bills more than halved – thanks in part to a new insulation and air conditioning system, made possible with a $176,626 grant from Trust Horizon.

Trust Horizon has shared a range of granting highlights in its 2025 Community Update, including the milestone moment of $50 million granted to the community since the Trust’s inception.

Trust Horizon is undertaking a community poll, inviting electricity consumers to have their say on a change to its Trust Deed that could see millions more invested into the Eastern Bay each year. Find out more.

Third year University of Canterbury student Lara Longney has been awarded the Trust Horizon & Aruhiko – Power Engineering Excellence Trust (PEET) scholarship, earning the Whakatāne local $10,000 to support her studies.

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust maintenance team is now able to clear over 30km worth of track up to 40% faster, thanks to a new suite of electric tools made possible with a $4,782 grant from Trust Horizon. Learn more.

A $62,913 grant from Trust Horizon is soon to bring renewed energy to the 120-year-old Waimana Sports & Cultural Club.

Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty are grateful to receive a $57,800 grant from Trust Horizon, with a focus on enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of palliative care services. Find out more.

Trust Horizon advances its efforts across operations, grant-making, and investment strategies to promote an equitable, inclusive, and transformative energy transition. Read more.

Trust Horizon has approved the allocation of $150,000 to create a Community Energy Contribution Grant funding pool to support marae and community groups. Available to apply for from February to March 31, 2025. Learn more here.

Galatea School and community are eagerly anticipating an extended swimming season for students, made possible by a successful Trust Horizon grant.

Separate grants from Trust Horizon have strengthened two local conservation-focused organisations in their mission to protect native wildlife and control predators. Read more.

Empowered by a successful Trust Horizon grant of $3,000, EBOP Riding for the Disabled is now able to connect power to its new wheelchair-accessible ablution block.

Trust Horizon has been helping build a new generation of qualified electrical workers for more than 20 years. With a range of scholarships, training courses, and apprenticeship support, the Trust aims to create an equitable and thriving workforce for the Eastern Bay’s rangatahi.

Stage two of an audio-visual upgrade for Allandale Primary School’s community hall is about to begin, with a $19,445 grant from Trust Horizon providing the funding needed for a brand-new sound system. 

In 1994, the Bay of Plenty Consumer Trust was established with the goal of retaining a portion of the local electricity company under community ownership. 30 years later, the registered charity – now named Trust Horizon – is celebrating three decades of transformational change in the Eastern Bay with a special 30th Anniversary Community Update. 

Over four years of extensive groundwork is bringing ground-breaking change to the Eastern Bay – and New Zealand – thanks to a collaborative effort and innovative approach from several leading charitable organisations and a social enterprise.

Whakatāne’s Kingsley Scouts will soon be enjoying a cosy and well-lit den, thanks to a $13,534 grant from Trust Horizon.