Help shape the future of Otago Community Trust

Media Release

Nearly 500 people across Otago have already shared what matters most to them, and there's still time for others to join the conversation.

Otago Community Trust (OCT) is encouraging communities across the region to complete a short survey before the campaign closes on December 12, asking "he aha te mea nui – what matters most" to ensure the Trust's future mahi continues to reflect the communities it serves.

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.

The short online survey will help shape the Trust's future direction and how it supports the region in the years ahead. With just weeks remaining, OCT is hosting final in-person and online hui to enable everyone within Otago's diverse region to take part.

Chief Executive Jemma Adams says the response so far has been encouraging, and the Trust wants to hear from even more voices before the December 12 deadline.

“It’s great that nearly 500 people have taken the time to share their whakaaro, and we're excited to hear from even more voices in our community,” says Adams.

“OCT belongs to all of us in Otago. This is a chance for Otago communities to shape the Trust’s future, not just for today but for the generations to come. We've always been guided by community voice, and this survey and asking he aha te mea nui, what matters most, is another important step in making sure our work is aligned with our community’s aspirations.

“The best ideas and solutions always come from the ground, so we'd love for people to share their thoughts before the survey closes on December 12. It will make a real difference.”

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 closes December 12 and can be completed here. Everyone who completes the survey can go in the draw to win one of two $250 Prezzy Cards.

Details of upcoming workshops and hui are below: 

Date	Town	Time	Venue & RSVP
25-Nov	Ōtepoti/Dunedin	6.00-8:00pm	Edgar Centre – Naylor Love Lounge RSVP
26-Nov	Mosgiel	5.30-7:30pm	Mosgiel Coronation Hall RSVP
27-Nov	Palmerston	5.30-7:30pm	Palmerston Community Centre RSVP
2 Dec	Ōtematata	5.30-7:30pm	Ōtematata Community Centre RSVP
4-Dec	Lawrence	5.30-7:30pm	Simpson Park RSVP