The Trusts announce new Chief Executive

MEDIA RELEASE

From: The Trusts www.thetrusts.co.nz

Date: 1 September 2010

Embargoed for publication and wider release till 9am Friday, 3 September 2010

The Trusts announce new Chief Executive

The Trusts and West Auckland Trust Services are pleased to announce the search to find a replacement for the retiring Chief Executive, Murray Spearman has been completed.

Following an extensive executive search, West Auckland Trust Services Chairman, Brian Corban was pleased to announce Simon Wickham has accepted the role. “The Trusts set out to recruit a replacement with the sound commercial and community understanding of Murray Spearman who has served our community well. Simon’s reputation and achievements with The Trusts Stadium stood out” says Corban. “He is passionate about West Auckland and the value The Trusts generates for our community and brings a sound mix of community and commercial experience.”

After 19 years outstanding service current Chief Executive Murray Spearman intends to retire in March 2011. Spearman notes “I’m happy to be passing over the reins to another leader that believes in the value this community business can generate for West Auckland. Doing the best for the 250,000 people in West Auckland is our driving motive that is what sets us apart from many other businesses”. The Trusts’ proceeds go to the people of West Auckland. “Our focus is on increasing grants and donations and I am proud of what’s been achieved for many West Auckland groups we have supported.”
Incoming Chief Executive designate Simon Wickham starts 1 February 2011 and will have a handover period with Murray Spearman before taking over the reins in the new financial year starting 1 April 2011.

The former Chief Executive of Yachting New Zealand, Wickham took on the Chief Executive role at The Trusts Stadium shortly after the Stadium opened in 2004. During his period at The Trusts Stadium the profile and commercial viability of the Stadium has been transformed. Alongside the Stadium’s growing returns to community users the Stadium Trust has developed further capital projects including the recent $10million Grandstand and Floodlight projects. “For those few areas in New Zealand lucky enough to have licensing trusts, they are a life blood for sport, education, arts, culture and community development. I’m delighted to win the role and work for another great West Auckland organisation focused on developing commercial returns to support the community” says Wickham.

ENDS

The Trusts Background:

The Trusts in West Auckland (Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts) are independent, democratically elected, socially responsible organisations. They are owned by the people, for the benefit of the community.

Completely independent of local councils, they have one purpose only: to raise money through business and gaming then give it back to the community via Elected Members and The Trusts Charitable Foundation (TTCF). There are no private investors or shareholders and no dividends to pay out, just grants and donations to distribute to communities. Grants and donations are usually to sports, arts, culture, amenities, education, health, community organisations and to meet community needs. These grants have totaled an impressive $85Million in the last 8 years.

The Trusts’ commercial ventures include selling alcohol, food, accommodation, refreshments and operating gaming machines. The Trusts commercial ventures are managed by West Auckland Trust Services who are responsible for $102Million in sales and 500 staff across West Auckland.

The Trusts Charitable Foundation (TTCF) holds the Operators Licence for gaming machines located in Portage and Waitakere Trust outlets. The Trusts are venue operators of TTCF. The Elected Members of The Trusts consider donation applications and advise TTCF of their recommended recipients.

Portage and Waitakere Trusts are socially responsible. Their business is to meet legitimate demand for alcohol, but not stimulate consumption. It is significant that West Auckland maintain the lowest number of gaming machines per capita in New Zealand.