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For immediate release

6 December 2012

T G Macarthy Trust celebrates centenary of giving

The T G Macarthy Trust is celebrating its 100 year anniversary with a special one-off contribution of $40,000 to 40 toy libraries across the lower North Island, says Public Trust Chief Executive Graeme Hansen.

“The T G Macarthy Trust is the oldest and one of the largest charitable trusts in the Wellington region. It has given $61 million to more than a thousand education providers, charitable organisations and community groups since its establishment in 1912.

“This year alone the trust is distributing $2.8 million to hundreds of local charities, schools and other educational institutions. Many small community organisations like the toy library that are supported by the trust will benefit their communities in a significant way.

“None of this would be possible without the foresight of Wellington businessman Thomas George Macarthy to create an enduring legacy,” Mr Hansen said.

Thomas George Macarthy was a successful Wellington businessman who established the trust in his will to benefit charitable and educational causes within the old Wellington province. The trust continues to support a number of different causes related to children and families in their community.

As successful as Mr Macarthy was in business, that success has been eclipsed by the sheer magnitude of his charitable giving. Few people have made such a large and sustained contribution to communities in the greater Wellington region as Mr Macarthy.

Public Trust is the trustee of the T G Macarthy Trust, providing it with investment expertise as well as administering applications and payment of grants.

ENDS

Photos and videos from the presentation of the donation at the Miramar Toy Library are available on request.

For more information see the notes for editors below or contact Public Trust:

Notes for editors

About the T G Macarthy Trust

The T G Macarthy Trust is a perpetual charitable trust established by Wellington businessman Thomas George Macarthy in 1912 to support charitable and educational causes in the former Wellington province (the lower North Island).

Since 1912 $61 million has been distributed to over a thousand education providers, charitable organisations and community groups.

The T G Macarthy board is comprised of the Governor-General, a representative of the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Wellington and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington.

Public Trust is the trustee for the T G Macarthy Trust. In this role it advises the Board on investment and grant strategies and performs the administrative functions including management of applications, distribution of grants, and evaluation of the social impact of grants.

Thomas George Macarthy followed the gold rushes in Victoria, Otago and the West Coast before settling in Wellington in 1877 as a brewer and hotelier. As well as being a successful businessman Mr Macarthy actively participated in public affairs and was a Director of the Bank of New Zealand and President of the Wellington Racing Club as well as holding many other offices.

For more information on the T G Macarthy Trust see www.tgmacarthytrust.org.nz.

About Public Trust

Public Trust provides enduring, comprehensive estate management services.

Formed 140 years ago many New Zealanders trust us with their affairs because of our legal and financial services experience. We are New Zealand’s largest trustee organisation and have been working for New Zealanders since 1873. Our independence is guaranteed under the Public Trust Act 2001.

We look after more estates than anyone else: about 6,000. We also look after 470 charitable trusts like the T G Macarthy Trust.

For more information on Public Trust see www.publictrust.co.nz.

List of toy libraries benefiting from the grant

Central North Island

• Taihape

• Waimarino

• Waiouru

Lower Hutt

• Alicetown

• Eastbourne

• Great Start

• Lower Hutt

• Petone

• Stokes Valley

• Upper Hutt

• Wainuiomata

• Western Hills

Manawatu-Wanganui

• Wanganui

• Bulls

• Feilding

• Manawatu

• Rangitikei

Wairarapa

• Carterton

• Featherston

• Greytown

• Martinborough

• Masterton

• Pahiatua

Wellington

• Brooklyn

• Island Bay

• Johnsonville

• Kapiti

• Karori

• Khandallah

• Levin

• Miramar

• Newlands

• Ngaio

• Northland

• Otaki

• Plimmerton

• Pukerua Bay

• Tawa-Linden

• Wadestown

• Whitby

A full list of all recipients of grants in 2012 (totalling $2.8 million) is also available on request.

ENDS

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