What We Do
Background
The Trust is incorporated and has obtained charitable status as defined by the Charitable Trust Act 1957. We are approved by Inland Revenue for the purposes of sections KC 5, DB 32 and DV 11 of the Income Tax Act 2004. The Trust has applied to the Charities Commission for registration under the Charities Act 2005. The government proposes to remove the tax deductibility cap on all qualifying charitable donations from April 2008.
Seed funding has been raised from several benefactors which has enabled the Trust’s formation, establishment and development of fundraising collateral.
Initial grants have been approved to support inspired innovations to trawl gear that promise substantial reductions in juvenile mortality, bycatch, fuel consumption and sea floor damage. These exciting developments are further described here » Other grants in support our goal of ”more fish in the water” have also been made. People working together in pursuit of this goal, including fishing clubs and national representative organisations have raised and spent over one million dollars maintaining effective input and activities that promote sustainable fisheries for all New Zealanders over the past seven years.
The mid-north iwi fisheries forum, The Hokianga Accord was established in 2005. This forum has proven the value
of Maori and non-Maori fishing interests working together to achieve “more fish in the water” for present and
future generations. The NZ Big Game Fishing Council, option4, NZ Recreational Fishing Council, Forest and Bird,
Greenpeace, commercial fishers, Ministry and MPs have all participated in this forum.
The success of uniting Maori and non-Maori fishing interests cannot be under-estimated. Such
meaningful engagement of a diverse range of interest groups has hitherto been unseen in New
Zealand. There is great potential for the Hokianga Accord co-operative model to extend into
other important areas for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
These initiatives require meaningful and dependable funding to enable continuity and
effectiveness.
How your gifting can help
Significant gifting from individuals, other trusts and the business sector is required to establish a capital fund. With sufficient funding the Trust can become the catalyst for positive action. We aim to raise $4 million by June 2009. Funds raised, including interest accrued will be used to fund grants that meet the Trust’s charitable objectives.
We would like to start the gifting from $10,000. You may wish to gift an amount yourself, or
commit to gathering a number of complementary contributions.
The 2007 budget announced the removal of the cap on all qualifying charitable donations from the 1st April 2008, providing a tax deduction of 33.3% for 2009.
The trustees are available to discuss alternative ways you can assist the Guardians achieve their charitable objects and purposes for the benefit of all New Zealanders and we invite you to contact any of them personally Full trustee contact details »
Where to from here
The Trust will continue to strive for ”more fish in the water” to enable people to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing. By championing healthy fisheries, sustainable practices, and assisting those who care for and understand their environment, we can prevail. Together as New Zealanders we can use our fund as the catalyst to ensure future healthy fisheries and the continued free access of all to this treasured resource.
With your support the Trust will:
- support organisations, innovation and education that will contribute to healthy fisheries and the well being this can provide to all;
- support growing public awareness in sustainable fishing practices and the benefits of kaitiakitanga/guardianship to all society;
- support coastal communities and kaitiaki to implement initiatives through the use of customary or local management tools;
- coordinate and assist local projects to enhance fisheries and the aquatic environment for the benefit of the whole community;
- provide for the operational management and administration of the Trust.