Otago Community Trust releases first phase of renewed strategy, shaped by community voice
17 Aug 2026
Otago Community Trust (OCT) is pleased to release the first phase of its renewed strategy - a refreshed vision, mission and values, shaped directly by what communities across the region told the Trust matters most.
In late 2025, OCT asked Otago communities a simple but important question: he aha te mea nui — what matters most? The response was significant, with people right across Otago sharing their time, their whakaaro, and their voices.
That input has directly informed OCT's renewed vision - Empowered People/He Iwi Whai Mana, Thriving Communities/He Hapori Ora, Sustainable Environments/He Ao Mauroa - along with a refreshed mission, values, and funding pillars that will guide the Trust's work going forward. The data gathered through the engagement process is also available on OCT's website, as a resource for the wider region.
OCT's mission describes what this looks like in practice: investing, granting and collaborating so Otago can thrive, today, tomorrow and forever. Communities told OCT they wanted a funder, a partner, and a connector, and the Trust also acknowledges its role as steward of a community asset that belongs to Otago in perpetuity.
The Trust's values guide this work: manaaki, empathy and respect for people and place (He tākata, he whenua); equity of opportunity (Mana Taurite); relationships, listening and collaboration (Whakapirika); integrity and honesty (Pono); and intergenerational stewardship on behalf of the communities OCT serves (Tauwhirotaka).
OCT Chair Stacey Honeywill says this release marks the first of two phases in renewing the Trust's strategic direction, with the Funding Framework to follow as the next stage of work.
"We’re excited to share phase one of the new strategy - the high-level why behind what we do. It is a genuine reflection of what communities told us. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their thinking with us,” said Ms Honeywill.
The new funding framework will be centred on three new funding pillars, which reflect specific themes communities raised throughout engagement, and which match the Trust’s renewed vision.
Under Empowered People/He iwi whai mana, communities spoke about growing pressure on wellbeing systems and the importance of investing in people and leadership, not only programmes, with particular emphasis on youth wellbeing and organisational capability.
Under Thriving Communities/He Hapori Ora, people highlighted connection, participation and local leadership as foundations for wellbeing, and the depth of contribution made by community organisations and volunteers who are increasingly stretched.
Under Sustainable Environments/He Ao Mauroa, communities expressed strong commitment to environmental stewardship and concern about climate and environmental pressures, recognising the natural environment as central to regional identity and long-term resilience.
These pillars will take effect when the funding framework is complete. For now, the Trust will continue to grant under its four existing pillars (Empowered Communities, Improved Health & Wellbeing, Increased Access to Opportunities, and Thriving Children & Young People).
OCT Trust Chief Executive Jemma Adams says the Framework is underway and is the next significant piece of work ahead.
"We know many of the organisations and communities we work with are really interested in what comes next and how this translates into funding. Phase two is our Funding Framework, and that work is currently underway. We're approaching it carefully, and with community input front of mind, because we know how much it matters to the people and groups throughout the region."
“We also acknowledge other changes within the funding sector at present, and the uncertainty this can create for groups. This is at the forefront of our minds as we develop OCT’s new funding framework.”
OCT expects to share an update on the funding framework by the end of the 2026 calendar year. In the meantime, funding continues as usual, across the same wide range of sectors OCT currently supports.
The full Phase One high-level Strategy, along with community engagement data, is available on our website at the link below.