Another Step Forward For Manukau Community Charitable Trust

Manukau City Council’s Strategic Management Committee has confirmed its support for the Manukau Community Charitable Trust’s proposal to raise funding for community development in Manukau.

The Committee resolved to enter into a partnership agreement to formalise Council’s ongoing relationship with the Trust. Council’s support will include providing a loan facility to the Trust of up to $350,000, repayable over ten years. This seed funding will allow the Trust to employ an executive officer and cover administrative costs until alternative funding arrangements can be established.

Further work will be carried out by Councillors and Council staff over the next four months to develop policies on advertising, sponsorship and naming right opportunities using Council properties and other assets. Council will also finalise the Memorandum of Understanding and partnership agreement and further investigate the practical issues surrounding outdoor advertising.

Mayor, Sir Barry Curtis, says “It’s extremely encouraging to see the significant support from the corporate sector for community development initiatives. More and more companies are giving more than lip service to social responsibility values, and this is wonderful for the Manukau community.”

The Manukau Community Charitable Trust was independently established earlier this year to access private sector funding for community development in Manukau. Under the Trust’s
business plan, revenue raised from outdoor advertising will be used to cover operational costs. Corporates will then be approached to contribute funds to the Trust for community development initiatives and projects.

The Trust’s Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Motor Company, Nigel Harris says the Trust is extremely pleased with Council’s decision. “Now that we have this support, we can proceed with employing an executive officer, and begin work on establishing and growing an income stream. We hope to have the first funds available to the community at the end of 2002.”

ENDS

Media Contact:
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison Support Officer
Ph: 09 2637100 x 8650
Fax: 09 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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