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.

In 2002, the Elected Members of The Trusts, through The Trusts Charitable Foundation (TTCF) pledged to return $80 million to their communities over ten years by way of grants and donations.  They have achieved $79 million in the last 7 years (with no increase in gaming machines).  Community organisations make applications for grants and donations to The Trusts Charitable Foundation, and every month distributions are made to West Auckland groups.

The Trusts are very big employers in West Auckland too.  Amongst all their operations, they employ nearly 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 minimim of their gaming turnover (excl GST).  Through excellent management, The Trusts' Elected Members, through TTCF,  typically distribute 50% or more.