Trust Tairāwhiti is the regional community trust, with a strategic focus on economic development, community initiatives and investments that support the wellbeing of our people and place.
The Trust Deed defines our two central objectives – to preserve Trust capital and to provide for beneficiaries (the people of Tairāwhiti). Our wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu ora guides Trust distributions, investments and operations to ensure they deliver meaningful outcomes for Tairāwhiti.
Supporting our communities and economy to thrive
We invest in the wellbeing of our people, the success of our businesses, and the future of our region.
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Our Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan guides all investment decisions and activities to ensure meaningful impacts for our communities and aligns with the Trust’s vision for our people, whanau and communities.
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Apply for funding
We have four types of funding available; Community Fund, Regional Event Fund, Feasibility Fund and Direct Investment. All applications are assessed against the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora to ensure they will lead to meaningful outcomes for our communities.
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Business growth
As the local delivery agency for the Government’s Regional Business Partner Network (RBP), the Trust offers a range of services to strengthen and grow businesses. We have dedicated business growth advisors who will help you navigate the range of support available and tailor it to your individual business needs.
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Community distributions
Trust funding supports diverse projects and initiatives that provide meaningful, equitable impacts and that will lead to sustained wellbeing for our people. He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora guides our distribution funding priorities.
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Our People
Meet the Trust Tairāwhiti team who are dedicated to supporting economic development, community initiatives, and investments that improve the wellbeing of our people and place.
Stay up to date
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Latest news
Check out our latest news and stories about the mahi and projects the Trust is involved with around the region.
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Cruise is big news for Tairāwhiti
- Tourism development
- Thu 26 Mar 2024
One of the biggest ever cruise seasons has ended on a high in Tairāwhiti, with a final visit from the towering Noordam.
Carrying up to 1,900 passengers and 800 crew, the Noordam anchored in the bay… -
Funding announcement: Te Uranga o Te Ra
- Community development
- /Distributions
- Thu 18 Mar 2024
Trust Tairāwhiti announces funding for major waka ama competition One of the region’s biggest ever sporting competitions is happening this October, with the Tūranganui-a-Kiwa clubs of Te Uranga o Te…
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Trust supports school pool heating and energy resilience project
- Community development
- /Distributions
- Thu 19 Feb 2024
Trust Tairāwhiti has approved $3.5 million in funding for a significant project that combines pool heating and renewable solar energy generation alongside battery storage at four schools on the East…
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Anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle
- Community development
- /Distributions
- Thu 19 Feb 2024
Trust Tairāwhiti, along with funding partners Te Whatu Ora and Eastern and Central Community Trust, has provided $242,696.75 in funding for community-led commemoration events and initiatives to mark…
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December distributions 2023
- Community development
- Thu 14 Dec 2023
Over $897,000 in community grants were approved in the final funding round of the year from Trust Tairāwhiti. The biggest recipient was Gisborne Speedway Club, which will receive up to $267,000…
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New chair appointed to Trust Tairāwhiti
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Thu 6 Dec 2023
David Battin has been unanimously appointed as the new board chair for Trust Tairāwhiti. The chair position was previously held by John Clarke, who will remain a trustee and support Mr Battin as…
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Quarterly Economic Monitor September 2023
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Thu 5 Dec 2023
Economic activity in Tairāwhiti has shown signs of decline over the year and is tracking below the national average for several indicators, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic…
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Cruise season is here
- Tourism development
- Thu 8 Nov 2023
Next week Gisborne will host the National Geographic Orion, the first cruise ship visit for the 2023/23 summer season. It is scheduled to arrive at 8am on 13 November, bringing about 106 passengers…
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October distributions 2023
- Community development
- /Distributions
- Thu 26 Oct 2023
Community grants totalling just over $196,000 were approved in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti. The biggest recipients were Toitu Tairāwhiti and Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou, which each…
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Have your say in the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey 2023
- Tairāwhiti Wellbeing
- Sat 26 Oct 2023
The community is invited to participate in the second Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS), to help build comprehensive data about how we’re doing as a region. The survey was designed to improve our…
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New summer marketing campaign for Tairāwhiti Gisborne
- Tourism development
- Thu 17 Oct 2023
The unique East Coast lifestyle, people and attractions are celebrated in a new marketing campaign for Tairāwhiti Gisborne, enticing manuhiri to visit the region and ‘come see why’. The campaign is…
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Wellbeing data dashboards now live
- Tairāwhiti Wellbeing
- Thu 5 Oct 2023
Interactive data dashboards are now available for the community to gain deeper insights from the first Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS). The survey ran over nine weeks from October 2022 and was…
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New CE appointed for Trust Tairāwhiti
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Mon 27 Sep 2023
The board of Trust Tairāwhiti is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Jones as the organisation’s new chief executive. Trust chair John Clarke said after an extensive recruitment process…
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September distributions 2023
- Community development
- /Distributions
- Thu 22 Sep 2023
Five community initiatives were supported with distributions totalling $285,735 in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti. Matawai Memorial Hall Association was the biggest recipient…
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Quarterly Economic Monitor June 2023
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Mon 20 Sep 2023
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, high interest rates and the cost of living, according to recent economic data. Infometrics’ Quarterly Economic…
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StardustME — Rocketed into outer space
- Business development
- Thu 21 Aug 2023
A Gisborne business built around a surprising synergy of the technology, space and funeral sectors has rocketed from start-up into outer space. StardustME provides space memorial flights to celebrate…
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Swim for life
- Community development
- Thu 9 Aug 2023
Last year more than 3000 kids from around the region were able to grow their competency in the water thanks to the Swim for Life Tairāwhiti (SFLT) programme.
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Trust releases 2022/23 Annual Report
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Thu 1 Aug 2023
The Trust Tairāwhiti Annual Report 2022/23 is now available online, ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on 10 August.
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Feasibility funding and community distributions
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Thu 24 Jul 2023
Feasibility case funding for two significant regional economic initiatives was approved in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
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Eastland Generation announces capital raise to fuel development pipeline
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- /Eastland Generation Release
- Thu 10 Jul 2023
eeking a growth partner to help fund a strong pipeline of renewable generation opportunities. Alongside its existing partners Ormat Technologies and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets (NTGA), work is…
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Trust CEO steps down after six years at the helm
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Sat 4 Jul 2023
After nearly six years in the role, Trust Tairāwhiti founding CEO, Gavin Murphy, is stepping down from his role, effective July 2023, says Trust chair John Clarke.
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New appointments for Trust Tairāwhiti governance
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- /Gisborne District Council Release
- Thu 30 Jun 2023
Council has confirmed two new appointments to the governance board of Trust Tairāwhiti to take forward the good work of departing trustees Dr Jill Chrisp and Kristen Kohere-Soutar.
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June distributions
- Community development
- Tue 26 Jun 2023
Over $117,000 was awarded to four community groups in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
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Business support grants
- Business development
- Tue 4 Jun 2023
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, Trust Tairāwhiti distributed $16.32 million to 730 local businesses to support their recovery and get back up and running.
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May distributions 2023
- Community development
- Mon 29 May 2023
The Motu Trails Charitable Trust will receive $90,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti over three years to boost their marketing and promotions to attract more visitors to the region.
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Quarterly Economic Monitor March 2023
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Thu 25 May 2023
Cyclone Gabrielle heavily disrupted the Tairāwhiti economy over the first quarter of 2023 and while this hampered usual economic activity levels, various indicators highlight the remarkable momentum…
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April distributions
- Community development
- Mon 24 Apr 2023
Four community groups were supported with grants totalling $178,000 in the latest distribution round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
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Warmer Kiwi Homes programme
- Community development
- Tue 10 Apr 2023
Grants for home heating and insulation are available for eligible homeowners in the Tairāwhiti region.
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Quick-turnaround community grants
- Community development
- Thu 4 Apr 2023
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, 49 community groups in Tairāwhiti were supported with quick-turnaround grants to help their recovery efforts.
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Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey data now online
- Tairāwhiti Wellbeing
- Thu 20 Mar 2023
The first tranche of insights and data tables from the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) are now available online.
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Quarterly Economic Monitor September 2022
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Sat 29 Nov 2022
The Tairawhiti economy remains constrained, with more challenging conditions limiting economic activity.
Infometrics provisional estimates show a 1.4%pa fall in economic activity for the September… -
Quarterly Economic Monitor March 2022
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Thu 24 Nov 2022
Tairāwhiti’s economic growth has outpaced the national average this quarter, with Infometrics provisionally estimating 3.4%pa GDP growth in the March 2022 quarter, compared to 2.0% nationally.
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Six community organisations supported with over $200,000 in funds from Trust Tairāwhiti
- Community development
- Sun 5 Jul 2022
An initiative to provide surfing programmes in East Coast townships was one of the major recipients in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
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Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti announce plan to sell Eastland Network to fund investment in energy transformation and community wellbeing
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Thu 23 Jun 2022
Eastland Group and sole shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti say right time to unlock value"from the company"s successful growth to transform for the future. li>Review has identified sale of electricity…
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Livestream event for Tairāwhiti Techweek
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Mon 6 May 2022
A livestream event showcasing tech creativity, innovation and opportunities in Tairāwhiti will be held as part of the nationwide Techweek later this month.
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April distributions
- Community development
- /Distributions
- Sun 26 Apr 2022
Seven local community groups will benefit from grants totalling $59,500 in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
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Flood support and advice for businesses
- Business development
- Wed 1 Apr 2022
We understand businesses have been impacted by the recent weather events and there is widespread damage, logistical challenges and financial implications for many.
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Have your say on the future of Tairāwhiti tourism
- Tourism development
- Sat 18 Feb 2022
The people of Tairāwhiti are invited to have their say on the future of tourism and the visitor economy in this region.
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Youthtown takes over Licence to Work Programme
- Business development
- Tue 14 Feb 2022
As the Licence to Work (LTW) youth employability programme enters its sixth year in Tairāwhiti, not-for-profit organisation Youthtown will take over the programme from Trust Tairāwhiti.
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Quarterly Economic Monitor December 2021
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Thu 24 Jan 2022
The Tairāwhiti economy saw a robust bounce back in economic activity at the end of 2021.
Provisional estimates from Infometrics point to a 7.1%pa rise in economic activity in the December 2021… -
Tairāwhiti business panel discussion online
- Business development
- Wed 9 Dec 2021
A business panel discussion about the move into the government's new COVID-19 Protection Framework is now available on the Trust Tairāwhiti website.
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Rebuilding tourism under the Covid Protection Framework
- Tourism development
- Tue 8 Dec 2021
East Coast MP and cabinet minister Kiri Allan met with local tourism operators last week to discuss doing business under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.
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November distributions
- Community development
- Tue 15 Nov 2021
A not-for-profit, whānau housing initiative by Hikurangi Enterprises was the biggest recipient in the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding round.
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Christmas events cancelled due to COVID-19
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Wed 9 Nov 2021
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the country, a decision has been made to cancel the inaugural Kirihimete in the Park event and Santa's Grotto in the CBD.
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Important COVID-19 announcement
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Sat 5 Nov 2021
Two wastewater samples in Tairāwhiti have tested positive for COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tairāwhiti at this time.
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Free Climate Action Workshop for Tairāwhiti businesses
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Sun 27 Oct 2021
Local businesses looking to reduce their climate footprint are invited to attend a free online Climate Action Workshop next week.
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Vaccinations in the workplace made easy
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Fri 18 Oct 2021
Tairāwhiti businesses and employers can play their part in the national vaccination campaign by making it easy for staff to be well-informed and fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Turanga Health is…
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October distributions
- Community development
- Mon 14 Oct 2021
Over $120,000 was awarded to a diverse range of community projects and events in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti. The recipients demonstrated strong alignments with muka (outcomes) of…
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Impacts of permanent carbon farming in Tairāwhiti
- Business development
- Thu 24 Sep 2021
A report on the impacts of permanent carbon farming in Tairāwhiti highlights the long-term challenges it may pose for the region, including the potential for significant job losses. Trust Tairāwhiti…
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New Eastland Group board appointments
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Tue 15 Sep 2021
Two new directors have been appointed to the Eastland Group board. Company shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti appointed Hamish Bell and Debbie Birch to the board of the Gisborne-based infrastructure…
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Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival 2021 programme change
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Tue 15 Sep 2021
Through lockdown and into Delta Alert Level 2, Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival team have been working hard to deliver a vibrant celebration of the creative abundance of Te Tairāwhiti. They look forward…
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Businesses more resilient in lockdown
- Business development
- Wed 9 Sep 2021
Local businesses are less concerned about the current lockdown compared to last year's, according to the results of a Trust Tairāwhiti business survey.
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Quarterly Economic Monitor September 2021
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Thu 7 Sep 2021
Impacts of the Delta outbreak are being felt in Tairāwhiti, with Infometrics data showing economic activity in the September quarter fell by 3.3 per cent.
The latest Infometrics quarterly economic… -
Registrations open for native forest regeneration event
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Tue 1 Sep 2021
Recloaking the Whenua is an online event focusing on permanent native forest regeneration across Tairāwhiti.
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Local businesses encouraged to complete lockdown survey
- Business development
- Sat 26 Aug 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti has launched an online survey to capture the impacts this current lockdown is having on local business owners and operators.
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COVID-19 Business Support
- Business development
- Thu 24 Aug 2021
The Government roll out of business support is well underway for those affected by the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, and new information is being released regularly.
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Essential Worker Vaccinations and Financial Support
- Tourism development
- Sun 20 Aug 2021
Today's announcement of the nationwide countrywide lockdown extension is part of the ongoing COVID-19 rollercoaster. We are looking forward to the Monday announcement, where hopefully we will start…
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COVID-19 Alert Level 4
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Fri 18 Aug 2021
The Government's decision to move all of New Zealand into COVID-19 Alert Level 4 at midnight 17 August 2021 was rapid but not unexpected given we are facing community transmission of the Delta strain.
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Funding confirmed for community facilities
- Community development
- Sat 12 Aug 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti will fund up to $15 million towards "early win" sports facility projects, including waka storage facilities at Anzac and Marina Parks and the skatepark redevelopment.
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Annual Report 2021
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Sat 5 Aug 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti has released its Annual Report 2021, providing a comprehensive overview of its community investments, regional economic development, and wellbeing focus.
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July distributions
- Community development
- Tue 29 Jul 2021
Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti (SGT) was one of the major recipients in the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding announcement, with $75,000 going towards a shared services pilot programme for up to 10 sporting…
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Trust Tairāwhiti appoints John Clarke as Chair
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Mon 7 Jul 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti announced today that experienced trustee and former Mayor of Gisborne John Clarke has been appointed new Chair of Trust Tairāwhiti
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Trust Tairāwhiti Economic Development Focus
- Business development
- Thu 24 Jun 2021
The release of Trust Tairawhiti's strategic plan, Te Aka Rautaki Ki Te Tau 2026, will provide a strategic focus on economic development, the man leading the region's economic development agency says.
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He Tohu Ora well received at New Zealand Impact Assessment Conference
- Tairāwhiti Wellbeing
- Sat 12 Jun 2021
Erina Hurihanganui and Malcolm Mersham from our Wellbeing and Impact team presented at the annual NZAIA (New Zealand Association of Impact Assessment) conference in Christchurch recently where they…
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Trust Tairāwhiti backs new film and television studio Rāngai
- Business development
- Fri 11 Jun 2021
From 3 June 2021
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Bumper summer season in Tairāwhiti
- Tourism development
- Fri 11 Jun 2021
Tairāwhiti had an excellent summer season as Kiwis unable to travel abroad explored their own backyard.
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Trust Tairāwhiti backs new film and television studio Rāngai
- Community development
- Thu 3 Jun 2021
The finishing touches are being put on a new film and television studio Rāngai, as it prepares for its first intake of students in July.
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Quarterly Economic Monitor March 2021
- Business development
- /Economic insights
- Sun 28 May 2021
Tairāwhiti’s economy took a breath in the March 2021 quarter, following its impressive recovery over the preceding two quarters. According to provisional estimates from Infometrics, the area’s…
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Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards 2021 - Finalists & Presentation and Dinner
- Business development
- Thu 24 May 2021
Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards Finalists. After a full and robust judging day, the judges are pleased to announce the finalists of this year's Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence…
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May Distributions
- Community development
- Sat 12 May 2021
Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby was the winner on the day in the latest funding announcement by Trust Tairāwhiti with a decision to underwrite $50,000 towards a series of sporting events to be delivered…
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Game of Life
- Business development
- Fri 11 May 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti was one of the key players in the successful launch of a new careers event connecting local employers with students.
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Waka Kura
- Community development
- Wed 23 Apr 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti enables the delivery of waka ama school programme.
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East Coast rangatahi benefit from latest funding distribution
- Community development
- Sat 12 Apr 2021
East Coast youth will reap the rewards of the latest funding decisions by Trust Tairāwhiti with Rua Bioscience receiving $50,000.
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TORO Studios to open in Gisborne
- Business development
- Sat 5 Mar 2021
Trust Tairawhiti is investing in the region's digital sector backing TORO Studios which will specialise in digital production services from its Tairawhiti base.
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Focus on Employment
- Business development
- Sat 26 Feb 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti welcomed Alex Hawea into the new role of Senior Employment Coordinator at the end of 2020.
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Trust Tairāwhiti approves more than $600,000 in community funding
- Community development
- Wed 9 Feb 2021
Trust Tairāwhiti has approved funding totalling $605,105 in the latest funding decisions of 2021 with distributions aligning with He Rangitapu, He Tohu Ora, the Trust's regional wellbeing framework.
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Pa Wars strengthens whanaungatanga and healthy lifestyles
- Community development
- Tue 22 Jan 2021
While the emphasis is on participation, there's no denying the competition was fierce at Pa Wars 2021. The Ngati Porou inter-marae sports festival was bigger and better than ever this year, with 22…
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Greenhouse gas emissions and wood processing
- Business development
- Sat 14 Dec 2020
A Scion report indicates wood processing in Tairāwhiti could more than half greenhouse gas emissions.
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Airport terminal opening
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Sat 7 Dec 2020
Gisborne's iconic new airport terminal was officially opened on November 4, with several hundred people turning out to celebrate.
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Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti take action on climate change
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Sat 7 Dec 2020
In July 2019 Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti joined the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) and now have in place a means for collecting data to measure their greenhouse gas emissions.
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SuperGrans Tairāwhiti Trust
- Community development
- Sat 7 Dec 2020
SuperGrans Tairāwhiti is a not-for-profit organisation that is positively impacting our region.
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Mātai
- Community development
- Sat 7 Dec 2020
Mātai is a not-for-profit research centre based in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, focused on enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
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Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival
- Community development
- Sat 7 Dec 2020
Trust Tairāwhiti is proud to have supported Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival 2020.
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Business support - Regional Business Partners
- Business development
- Sun 1 Dec 2020
2020 has been a challenging time for many of our local businesses. However, Trust Tairāwhiti and the local Regional Business Partners (RBP) team are enormously proud of how small and medium…
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Tairāwhiti Economy Shows Resilience
- Business development
- Thu 19 Aug 2020
Quarterly economic data released by Infometrics shows the considerable resilience of the Tairāwhiti economy over the June 2020 year.
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Wood investment - does it have Government support?
- Business development
- Sun 15 Jun 2020
The Government is confident that the future of the forestry and wood-processing sector will be bright." - Forestry Minister Shane Jones said in a govt article on June 12.
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Manaaki Tairāwhiti and Trust Tairāwhiti present the Gisborne Housing Strategy to Council
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Thu 12 Mar 2020
From 27 February 2020