Otago Community Trust (OCT) is asking communities across Otago ‘what matters most’, to help it determine how it works with communities to provide crucial funding.

Since 1988, OCT has provided more than $230M in grants, supporting thousands of kaupapa across North, Central, and South Otago. 

Projects supported by the trust have ranged from funding the Up-Cycles Charitable Trust to expand its Community of Bike Ambassadors, to youth development programmes in Cromwell, to the return of the Saddleback to mainland Otago after more than a century. 

Now, OCT is asking what matters most to ensure the trust's future work continues to reflect the communities it serves, via a three-minute online survey.

The trust is also hosting a series of in-person and online hui over the next two months to enable people to take part. 

These include meetings at the Roxburgh Town Hall (October 30, 5.30-7.30pm); the Ranfurly Rugby Club (November 3, 5.30-7.30pm); the Cromwell Presbyterian Church (November 4, 5.30-7.30pm); the Alexandra Community House (November 10, 5.30-7.30pm); and a Zoom meeting (November 10, 12-1pm).

“This is a chance for Otago communities to shape their own future – not just for today, but for the generations to come,” OCT chief executive Jemma Adams said. 

“We've always been guided by community voice, and this survey – asking he aha te mea nui, what matters most – is another important step in making sure we're aligned with the aspirations people see for their own places.  

“We know the best ideas and solutions always come from the ground, so we're really hoping people will take the three minutes to share their whakaaro [thoughts]. It will make a real difference.” 

OCT’s last major planning process took place in 2021 when Covid-19 made it difficult to engage with communities in person.

“Since we last asked these questions, communities across our rohe have changed, and so have the challenges and opportunities they’re facing. We want to make sure we’re responding to that, and that means hearing from as many voices as possible.” 

The survey is open for another five weeks and can be completed here.

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