The Community Trust of Southland has a new name, new brand and website as it celebrates 30 years of supporting thousands of community and individual ventures.

The trust has officially changed its name to Community Trust South and unveiled its new brand at a celebration attended by many of those it has helped over the years.

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“The area we support is wider than Southland,” said Chair Margot Hishon. “We provide community grants from Stewart Island to Glenorchy, Te Anau to Tapanui and all the places in between, including the Wakatipu area and parts of West Otago.

Our new name better represents that wide area in which communities and individuals can apply for grants or scholarships. Our logo is greater than the sum of its parts, as is our community. The bright and modern colours of our new logo represent the diversity, growth, innovation and creativity that will ensure our region thrives for future generations.”

The community-owned trust was formed in 1988 when the banking industry in New Zealand was deregulated and Trust Bank Southland became a company. It has since distributed over $186 million to its communities, including $6.4m to 446 groups and individuals during the 2017-18 year.

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These range from one of its first ever grants to the 150 year-old Invercargill Garrison Band, to $4 million towards development of the ILT Stadium, one of its largest ever funding commitments.

Fittingly, the new brand launch was held at the stadium, along with an exhibition telling the stories of 30 recipients of the trust’s support from across all the years, geographical areas and strategic pillars of its operation.

Two of the past recipients presented at the event, Pauline Smith, Co-ordinator of Murihiku Māori and Pasifika Cultural Trust, organiser of the hugely successful Polyfest festival; and award-winning singer songwriter Jenny Mitchell who was awarded scholarship support to study at the Academy of Country Music in Australia.

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“We are proud to be celebrating 30 years of supporting our community,” said Trust General Manager Jackie Flutey. “We wanted to recognise and celebrate the amazing people and groups within our community that make these projects happen. We support them financially but they are the doers and it is a wonderful partnership.”

Founding Chair Bob Simpson was at the event, to cut a celebratory cake with Margot Hishon, along with over 100 guests, including representatives from community groups which have benefited from trust support.

The trust’s Māori name, Te Pou Arataki Pounamu o Murihiku, was gifted to them by Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga of Murihiku and will remain the same. This means ‘the stanchion that all pathways in Murihiku lead to where people obtain the treasures that enable them to fulfil their aspirations’.

New Name, New Brand For Community Trust of Southland

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