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.

The Trust Horizon (Trust Variation) Bill was formally introduced to Parliament on February 26, before completing its first reading on March 11, 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 said the bill represented an important step forward in ensuring the trust could 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 April 22, where Trust Horizon was given 15 minutes to present its submission and respond to questions.

The hearing included four verbal submissions, alongside several written submissions, with the majority being in support of the proposed changes – including those from the Settlor of the Trust (Horizon Energy Distribution and its board), local councils, 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 May 13 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 had 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.