- Monday, 1 September 2025
Community Trust South Reports Solid Growth and Enduring Community Impact
Community Trust South/Te Pou Arataki Pounamu o Murihiku has released its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025 which reflect the challenges of investing in a persistently volatile global market.
The Trust reported a 5.5% return on investment, with net assets increasing to $254 million, up from $246 million in 2024. While the return is encouraging, it fell short of the Trust’s long-term investment objective of CPI + 4% (6.5% for the year).
Over the past five years, the portfolio has delivered an average annual return of 6.7%, relative to its investment objective of 8.4%. To better navigate the global market trends, the Trust has restructured its Global Equity, Infrastructure, Private Equity and Property asset classes over the reporting period. This was done on the advice of the Trust's Investment Advisor, with the aim of providing a higher expected return with less volatility.
Investment Committee Chair Warren Skerrett noted that “This year has tested our resilience. While our returns were below target, we remain committed to actively reviewing our strategy and to managing necessary changes to benefit the Trust’s outlook.”
Operational costs rose modestly to $1.62 million, in line with broader economic trends. As a result of inflationary pressures and lower investment returns, the Trust’s assets remain below the inflation-adjusted target of $312 million.
Trust Heamana/Chair Margot Hishon said the Trust was focused on rebuilding this capital so it can continue to provide a strong foundation from which to support its ngā hapori/communities.
“By investing responsibility and closely monitoring performance we are working to ensure that the Trust will continue to empower communities to fulfil their aspirations, now and in the future,”
Despite financial headwinds, the Trust continued to prioritise its support for communities, approving $5.8 million in grants and scholarships for 535 applicants across the rohe/region. These investments into communities advanced the Trust’s strategic pou: Strong Foundations, People and Places, and Sustainability and Climate.
With this year’s contributions, the Trust has now returned $240 million to its ngā hapori/communities since its inception — a significant milestone that reflects its enduring commitment, even in difficult times.
Community Trust South will hold its Annual Public Meeting to formally present its annual report and financial results at 5:30pm on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at the Arrowtown Bowling Club. Members of the public are warmly welcome to attend.
Full details of the year end 31 March 2025 financial statements are available here