Council confirms trust formation

28 September 2012

Waipa District Council has confirmed its intention to form a trust to take responsibility for the running of the Trust Waikato Te Awamutu Events Centre and Cambridge Pool.

Earlier this month the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee heard a number of submissions on the proposal to form the Waipa Community Facilities Trust and was satisfied that many of the issues raised could be addressed either through the trust deed or the funding agreement.

This week the council agreed that the funding agreement would be used to ensure the trust's initial focus is on the two facilities. The primary aim is for these facilities to be run efficiently and effectively with reduced need for ratepayer funding.

The council will now take steps to establish the trust. The critical first step will be using an invited, independent panel to appoint the initial trustees. Trustee positions will be publicly advertised and the panel will ensure that there is appropriate assessment of candidates against an agreed set of criteria based on qualifications, experience and skill sets.

In the meantime the facilities will continue to be run by the long-time contracted operators until the trust is established and can assume control.