News

Heads Up! Applications for our next distribution round close on 20 April 2026. Alongside the Maniototo Trust Fund we invite application for:

* Individuals, or community groups within the Maniototo

* Projects must have clear benefits for the Maniototo Community

Head to our "How to Apply" page for further details. For queries about the funding scheme or assistance filling in your application contact Janice Remnant (Community Facilities Manager) -janice.remnant@codc.govt.nz 

The Trust’s funds are actively managed in a well-diversified portfolio overseen by Craigs Investment Partners, ensuring a balanced and resilient investment approach. Overall, it has been a strong year for the portfolio. 

After a challenging start in earlier years (when high inflation, rising interest rates, and market uncertainty affected performance) the portfolio has now returned to solid growth, with this financial year delivering just over 11.5% p.a. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and maintain contingency plans to ensure we can keep providing grants, particularly given the risks posed by geopolitical events beyond our control.

Following the outstanding service and retirement of Dawn Sangster MNZM, Janyne Fletcher was appointed Chair of the Trust in 2024. Dawn’s long-term commitment, steady leadership, and deep connection to the Maniototo community have been invaluable, and the Trust extends its sincere thanks for her many years of service.

We are pleased to welcome Tim Carson, who has joined the Trust and taken on the role of Treasurer, along with Geraldine Duncan, who brings additional strength and perspective to the team. We look forward to working with our trustees, who bring a deep understanding of the community and its needs.

Alongside the Maniototo Trust Fund, at our June 2025 distribution meeting we were pleased to award grants to the following recipients:

Maniototo Area School – Transport costs for the National Area Schools Tournament

Charlie Owens – Travel support for U18 Girls Basketball Tournament

Maniototo Area School – Purchase of sports jackets

Maniototo Adventure Park – Purchase of computer tablets

Central Otago Ale Trail Fun Run – Hire of race timing system

At the time of writing, we are preparing for our final distribution round of the year. We wish all our supporters, grant recipients, and the wider Maniototo community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A huge thank you to Jude McMillan, who retired earlier this year after five years of dedicated service as a trustee of the Community Trust of Maniototo. Jude stepped into the role of treasurer pretty much from day one and quickly became a mainstay of the Trust - steady, committed, and always willing to give her time and expertise. Earlier this week we presented Jude with a Certificate of Appreciation at a morning tea in her honour. We were lucky to have many of our trustees drop in for a catch-up and to thank Jude personally. Thank you, Jude, for everything you’ve contributed to our community. In our photo - trustees Tash Kane, Janyne Fletcher (chair), Jude McMillan, Becks Smth - Kyle Hagan was our photographer.