Otago Community Trust releases 2025/26 Annual Report

Media Release

Otago Community Trust (OCT) has released its Annual Report for the 2025-2026 financial year, reporting $12.99 million in grant funding to the community approved across 666 grants. Trust funds were valued at $329.3 million as at 31 March 2026 with an annual return of 8.79%.

The year was shaped by two significant milestones: the signing of a relationship agreement with mana whenua, and the first phase renewal of the Trust's strategy following region-wide community engagement that took place at the end of 2025.

OCT Chair Stacey Honeywill says "This has been a year of listening first and acting with intention. The relationship agreement with Papatipu Rūnaka, and the insights we've gathered from Otago communities on what matters most to them will shape how we work for years to come."

Partnership with mana whenua

In April 2025 OCT signed a relationship agreement with Kā Papatipu Rūnaka o Araiteuru - Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. The agreement provides a foundation for collaboration and for exploring areas of mutual interest between the Trust and mana whenua.

Strategy renewal

Last year OCT asked Otago communities a simple question: he aha te mea nui - what matters most? The response informed a renewed vision, mission, and set of values for the Trust, published in the Annual Report. Data gathered through the engagement process is also available on OCT's website.

Updating the Trust's funding framework is the next step in this process and will be a priority for the year ahead. The Trust is approaching that work carefully, with community input central to how it evolves.

Community impact

Grants approved this year spanned sport and events, environmental projects, community developments, and support for tamariki and rangatahi, among other areas.

The Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy entered its fourth year, with a record number of Impact Fund initiatives approved. Four organisations were supported: Te Hauora Murikauhaka, to establish a counselling service for tamariki in the Balclutha area; Te Hā o Maru, to expand its Te Pōhā programme; Youthline Otago, to develop a sexual violence prevention initiative for rangatahi across Otago; and Netsafe, to pilot a digital safety programme led by young people in their own communities.

Investment performance

The Trust's funds ended the financial year valued at $329.3 million, with an annual return of 8.79%. OCT notes that global markets remain volatile, and that its long-term investment approach, alongside its relationship with investment advisers Mercer, positions it to respond to opportunities as they arise.

Governance

Trustee Alofa Lale departed the Board in November, and Toni Talijancich joined as a new trustee in December. Andy Kilsby was re-appointed for a second term and Barb Long will complete her tenure in the coming weeks. Following the close of the financial year, Stacey Honeywill (Kāi Tahu) was welcomed as Chair, and Rebecca Williams as Deputy Chair.

Looking ahead

Updating the funding framework will be OCT's priority during this financial year, carried out in partnership with communities across Otago.

Download 2025/2026 Annual Report