Kia ora tātou - Welcome to our October eNewsletter. I'm excited to join as the Chief Executive of Otago Community Trust. As I enter my second month, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting out and meeting new people in the philanthropic sector and the wider Otago community.

I would like to thank Andy, Barb, and the team for all their hard work over the last few months – and for their warm welcome as I embark on this new challenge.

September was a busy month for the Trust. As highlighted in the newsletter, our Annual Public Meeting was held at the end of September in Oamaru. Prior to the Annual Public Meeting, we visited a variety of projects and community groups that had received funding from the Trust. This was a great opportunity for me to listen and learn more about the impact our funding has and the difference it makes.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to attend the Annual Public Meeting. It was our pleasure to share our activities, achievements, and highlights for the year ending on March 31, 2023. A special mention goes to our guest speakers, Blayde Forbes and Oshyn Guthrie, who shared their experience of being part of our North Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund.

If you couldn't attend our Annual Public Meeting, you are welcome to watch the live webcast, which is now available on our website, along with the 2023 Annual Report and full financial statements.

The Trust was also pleased to welcome three new trustees: Carole Adair and Robyn McLean from Dunedin, alongside Oamaru-based Fraser McKenzie, to the board in September. I look forward to working alongside Carole, Robyn, and Fraser and believe the skill sets and knowledge each brings to the table will be an asset for the Trust.

As I get to know the team at Otago Community Trust, its partners, stakeholders, and community champions, I feel incredibly lucky to play a role in guiding the Trust forward. My commitment is to lead Otago Community Trust with transparency, intentionality, and, of course, a great deal of listening.

We already have a strong foundation for driving meaningful change for the people and communities of Otago. The next step is to set our sights on strengthening relationships and partnerships and exploring new opportunities to make a difference in critical areas of need.

If you wish to arrange a meeting with me in the future or if you have any questions regarding funding, please feel free to contact me or any member of the Trust team. We are always happy to help.

Ngā mihi,

Jemma Adams, CE