Candidate Information Sheet - Community Trusts 2024 Appointments
Community trusts fund activities that directly benefit their communities
The community trusts (the trusts) are governed by their individual trust deed, and the Community
Trusts Act 1999. Each trust is responsible for managing a large investment portfolio, as well as
carrying out policies to ensure the distribution of grants for charitable, cultural, philanthropic,
recreational and other purposes beneficial to its community.
The number of trustees on each trusts board varies, in relation to the size of the region served and
their workload. Trustees are appointed for terms of up to four years, and are eligible for
reappointment. Trustees continue in office, despite the expiry of their term, until a further
appointment decision is made.
Trustees work together to make investment decisions, to grant funding for community projects and
activities, and to set the trust’s policy direction and strategic plans.
Trustees need to have a good understanding of, and connections to, the communities which they
serve.
Skil s and attributes desired
Each trust should ideally have the following mix of skills and experience:
• governance experience;
• community involvement;
• investment experience;
• grant making experience;
• strategic thinking; and
• legal expertise.
Māori and ethnic, and geographic representation is also desirable.
People considered for appointment must reside within the grant distribution area of the relevant
trust.
Appointed trustees must be politically impartial. Irrespective of political interests, trustees must
conduct themselves in a way that enables them to act effectively under current and future
governments.
Public servants seeking appointment to trusts
under the Official Information Act 1982
Cabinet has agreed that Ministers should not general y appoint public servants to statutory bodies
but that there may be special circumstances in which employees of Public Service departments can
be appointed. Further information is provided in the State Services Commission’s Board Appointment
and Induction Guidelines (see page 16), and Cabinet Office circulars CO (02) 5: Appointment of Public
Servants to Statutory Board, and CO (22) 2: Revised Fees Framework for members appointed to
bodies in which the Crown has an interest (especially paragraphs 73-79).
Nomination process
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Any person seeking appointment to a community trust should provide a ful and up-to-date
curriculum vitae and complete the conflicts of interest declaration on the nomination form found on
the Department of Internal Affairs website at www.dia.govt.nz/Appointments-to-Statutory-Bodies.
Send your completed nomination form to [email address] by
14 June 2024.
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Rātā Foundation
Rātā Foundation (the Foundation) is governed by a board of trustees who are appointed by the
Associate Minister of Finance. The board elects its own Chair.
The Foundation serves communities who live in the Canterbury, Marlborough, and Nelson regions,
and the Chatham Islands. To be eligible for appointment, candidates must reside within this area.
The Foundation’s purpose is the strive for an equitable and sustainable society under the korowai of
Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Rātā Foundation has three functional business parts:
1. Financial Investment – Being an active highly-responsible asset owner with investment
strategies to preserve and grow the fund.
2. Community Investment – support through providing funding to community organisations
within our region to create an equitable and sustainable society.
3. Having an effective organisation – to ensure the heart of Rātā is strong and is working in
alignment across all areas of our business.
E pātuki te manawa o te Rātā, he orange mō te iwi. The heartbeat of the Rātā sustains the people.
For more information about the Foundation please visit the Foundation s website at
www.ratafoundation.org.nz.
Trustee skil s and attributes
For the 2024 appointments to the Foundation, candidates are sought who meet one or more of the
following criteria:
• governance experience and knowledge;
• investment knowledge and experience;
• strategic thinking.
Appointed trustees must be politically impartial. Irrespective of political interests, trustees must
conduct themselves in a way that enables them to act effectively under current and future
governments.
Time commitment and remuneration
Terms for trustees are up to four years. Exact term dates will be confirmed with successful
candidates.
The time commitment for a trustee is estimated at an average of 2 days per month. This may include
Board and Subcommittee meeting attendance, preparation, necessary travel, professional
under the Official Information Act 1982
development, and representative duties.
The trusts are classified as Group 3a (governance boards) under the Cabinet Fees Framework [CO 22
2]. The current annual fees (excluding disbursements) for trustees of the Foundation is $15,400 for
board members, and $30,800 for the Chair.
Public servants seeking appointment to trusts
Cabinet has agreed that Ministers should not general y appoint public servants to statutory bodies
but that there may be special circumstances in which employees of Public Service departments can
Released
be appointed. Further information is provided in the State Services Commission’s Board Appointment
and Induction Guidelines (see page 16), and Cabinet Office circulars CO (02) 5: Appointment of Public
Servants to Statutory Board, and CO (22) 2: Revised Fees Framework for members appointed to
bodies in which the Crown has an interest (especially paragraphs 73-79).
Page 2 of 3
Nomination process
Any person seeking appointment to a community trust should provide a ful and up-to-date
curriculum vitae and complete the conflicts of interest declaration on the nomination form found on
the Department of Internal Affairs website at www.dia.govt.nz/Appointments-to-Statutory-Bodies.
Send your completed nomination form to [email address] by
14 June 2024.
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Act
Information
Official
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Released
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