He aha te mea nui? What matters most, Otago?

Otago Community Trust (OCT) is asking communities across Otago “what matters most” – a question that will determine how the Trust works with communities to provide crucial, future focused funding.

Since 1988, OCT has provided more than $230 million in grants, supporting thousands of kaupapa across North, Central, and South Otago, including Ōtepoti / Dunedin. Projects supported by the Trust have ranged from an emergency helipad in the Catlins, to youth development programmes in Cromwell, to the return of the tīeke to mainland Otago after
more than a century.

Now, OCT is asking Otago to share he aha te mea nui – what matters most – to ensure the Trust's future mahi continues to reflect the communities it serves.

A short 3-minute online survey will help shape the Trust's future direction and how it supports the region in the years ahead. OCT is also hosting a series of in-person and online hui over the next two months to enable everyone within Otago’s diverse region to take part.

Chief Executive Jemma Adams says the survey is a key opportunity for all people in Otago to have a say in the future of the region. “OCT belongs to all of us in Otago. This is a chance for Otago communities to shape their own future – not just for today, but for the generations to come,” says Adams.

“We've always been guided by community voice, and this survey – asking he aha te mea nui, what matters most – is another important step in making sure we're aligned with the aspirations people see for their own places. We know the best ideas and solutions always come from the ground, so we're really hoping people will take the three minutes to share their whakaaro. It will make a real difference.”

OCT’s last major planning process took place in 2021, during a time when COVID-19 made it difficult to engage with communities in person. Adams says much has changed since then – both within the Trust and across the region – and it’s time to check back in.

“Since we last asked these questions, communities across our rohe have changed, and so have the challenges and opportunities they’re facing. We want to make sure we’re responding to that, and that means hearing from as many voices as possible.”

Trust Chair Andy Kilsby, who lives in Central Otago, says the strength of the region lies in its diversity, and the Trust wants to reflect that in its future work. “Otago is made up of many distinct communities, each with their own priorities, challenges and opportunities,” says Kilsby. “We’re really encouraging people from all walks of life to take part, whether you’ve been involved in community projects for years or are speaking up for the first time. Every voice matters.”

The survey is open for six weeks and can be filled out here.

You can also see details of all Community Hui, and RSVP to them here.