The people of West Auckland have two great assets in the Portage and Waitakere Trusts.

Profit is not the driving motive of The Trusts.  Doing the best for the 250,000 people in West Auckland is. 

“We’re here to support West Auckland, and help it grow well through grants and donations,”  says The Trusts’ Murray Spearman.  “This is different from any other business.”

The Trusts’ combined value makes them the second largest community business in West Auckland.  They also number amongst New Zealand’s top 200 organisations by turnover. 

The big difference is:  they are philanthropic.  The Trusts’ proceeds go to the people of West Auckland.  “Our focus is on increasing grants and donations,”  says Murray Spearman.  Community organisations make applications for grants and donations to the The Trusts Charitable Foundation, and every month distributions are made to West Auckland groups.

In 2002, The Trusts pledged to return $80 million to their communities over ten years by way of grants and donations.  Through The Trusts Charitable Foundation, the Elected Members have achieved that figure in just 8 years, with the current total donations as at the end of March 2010 being just under $85 million! 

The Trusts are very big employers in West Auckland too.  Amongst all their operations, they employ over 500 people.

Doing the Best for West Auckland

Measured against other significant charitable trusts, The Trusts Charitable Foundation is a top performer.  Many charitable trusts distribute only the minimum of their gaming turnover (excl GST).  Through excellent management, The Trusts Charitable Foundation typically distribute 50% or more.