Our Fantastic Sponsors

The Lion Foundation is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected Charitable Trusts. Since 1985 we have returned over $985 million back to the community, supporting thousands of good causes all around New Zealand.We have many Lion Foundation venues and gaming machines across the country and we consistently return millions of dollars into the community.
Last year that equated to over $35 million through over 3,500 grants for community-based organisations across New Zealand. That is 10 good causes every day – causes as diverse as the people who live in those communities: from Northland to Bluff, east coast to west, rural to urban.  In fact, there are few Kiwis whose lives have not been touched by a Lion Foundation grant.
To reinforce our commitment to our local communities The Lion Foundation has introduced Regional Grants Committee’s which operate across the country.These committee’s ensure that we have local people making local decisions about local funds.

WEL Energy Trust (the Trust) was formed in 1993 for the purpose of holding shares in the newly created WEL Energy Group, and has a governing document effective from this time, the Trust Deed.

The Trust was originally the 1/3 owner of the Group, and the purpose of this shareholding under the Trust Deed is to ensure the Company, now known as WEL Networks Ltd (the Company), operates as a ‘successful company’.

Under the Trust Deed, the definition of a ‘Successful Company’ includes not only profitability but the need to exhibit a sense of social responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community and by endeavouring to accommodate or encourage those interests when able to do so

.In 2000 the Trust became the 100% shareholder of WEL Networks Ltd.

Ultrafast Fibre Limited was established by the Company in 2010 in order to fulfil a New Zealand Government initiative to rollout ultrafast broadband (UFB) across eight centres in Central North Island. Interests in fibre are held through Waikato Networks Ltd (WNL) of which WEL Networks Ltd is an 85% shareholder (Waipa Networks owns 15%).

WEL Networks Ltd also has a smart box programme. The Top Energy project is delivered through Smart Co Ltd, of which WEL is a 15% shareholder.

As per the Trust Deed, on winding up of the Trust in 2073, the fund will be distributed to Territorial Authorities (Capital Beneficiaries) in specific proportions (Hamilton City Council – 63%, Waikato District Council – 35%, Waipa District Council – 2%).

Giving back to the community
Over the last 30 years, the community trusts have given back approximately $2 billion to New Zealand communities. These grants range in size including small one-off grants, regular annual operating grants for community organisations, and large capital grants for one-off major community projects.​
The Government established Trust Waikato by statute in 1988, to hold and manage the shares of Trust Bank Waikato. In 1996, Trust Waikato left banking and the shares were sold, with the proceeds of the sale invested. Since 1988 Trust Waikato has managed those investments, using a portion of the profits each year to support community groups and projects throughout the Waikato region.

Grassroots Trust is dedicated to providing local funding to local communities.  We share your passion and enthusiasm for amateur sport, education and various charitable community initiatives and we’re here to help.Great care is taken to ensure funds granted are well used and for the authorised purpose, and many local communities have already benefited from a Grassroots Trust grant.

Grassroots Trust operates in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003 and is regulated by The Department of Internal Affairs.

Trillian Trust Limited is a not-for-profit organisation that is proud to distribute grants to local community groups.  We are here to give back and provide successful partnerships with non-commercial organisations, Trillian Trust is fully invested in helping you achieve your goal.