New Chair Of Rural Communities Trust

New Chair Of Rural Communities Trust

Chrissy Pedersen is the new chair of the Rural Communities Trust, the helping hand for rural people.

Mrs Pedersen was elected at the trust's annual meeting in Wellington this week. She replaced Denis Hazlett, who has stepped down from the role.

Established in 1982, the Rural Communities Trust provides financial assistance to groups, families and individuals whose needs are impacted by rural isolation.

"The trust is important because it is one of the few places where families can turn for assistance when they face hardship due to their rural location," Mrs Pedersen said.

"The importance of the trust has increased as more families apply for assistance due to centralisation of services. The trust recognises living in a rural community means facing barriers to education, health and other services," she said.

Each year the trust approves grants to individuals with a diverse range of needs. Since the trust was established, nearly 850 grants have been approved, totalling over $600,000.

Mrs Pedersen thanked Denis Hazlett for his valuable contribution to the trust.

Other trustees include Ellen Ramsay from Rural Woman New Zealand, Don Nicolson representing Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc), Charlie Graham from the National Bank of New Zealand, and Jane Bryden of Transpower New Zealand Limited.

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