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Investing wisely
Established in perpetuity, the Trust aims to grow
the value of the capital fund to keep pace with both
inflation and population growth in the region, without
taking on undue risk. We strive to ensure that the
fund will be worth just as much for future generations
as it is for our communities today.
The Trust’s investments are diversified across a range
of asset classes: global equities, Australasian equities,
private equity, unlisted property, infrastructure,
global credit, global fixed interest, New Zealand
fixed interest and cash. During the year, two new
fund managers were appointed. As a signatory to
the Principles for Responsible Investment, the Trust
continues to consider ways in which environmental,
social and governance issues may impact on both
investments and communities.
I am very pleased to report that the Trust’s
investments continued to experience considerable
growth, returning 11.1% in the financial year, well
above the benchmark return of 9.9% for the portfolio.
As at 31 March 2014 the Trust fund was valued at
over $300million. Significant progress has been made
in the last year in rebuilding the reserves required to
maintain consistent levels of donations.
This past year has been a time of great
reflection for Trust Waikato. We have celebrated
a significant milestone of 25 years since the
Trust was first established. And, after hosting a
number of forums throughout the year, we have
reaffirmed the Trust’s vision of resilient and
vibrant communities throughout the region and
articulated the Trust’s 2014-2016 Strategic Plan.
In contributing to that vision, the Trust aims to
invest wisely the capital fund with which it is
entrusted and to donate effectively the proceeds
of those investments to benefit current and
future communities.
Tena Koutou Katoa – Greetings to you all
Chair’s Report
