We aim to generate returns from our investments so that we have a consistent amount of funding to distribute in the Wellington region each year. We do this by managing and diversifying our investments so that WCF’s capital is protected and continues to grow.
As part of our strategy objective to ‘Invest Well’ and to invest in alignment with the our values, we’re implementing the following investment exclusions:
- Gambling
- Employee/people exploitation
- Alcohol
- The manufacture of cluster munitions
- The manufacture or testing of nuclear explosive devices
- The manufacture of anti-personnel mines
- The manufacture of tobacco
- The processing of whale meat
- The manufacture of civilian automatic and semi-automatic firearms, magazines or parts.
We will:
- Look actively for NZ-based investments to support local economy
- Seek to invest responsibly
- Seek opportunities to be proactive within the environment space
- Explore investment in private equities
Commitment towards carbon zero
Together with Forsyth Barr, we have produced a ‘Combined Commitment’ which ties us together in a partnership that commits us both to support the Fund’s investment portfolio to be aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
We recognise that high ethical standards and behaviour are central to good governance. To manage actual and perceived conflicts of interest, WCF has a documented code of conduct which we regularly monitor and review.
Each year we publish an annual report of our activities. We also hold an Annual Public Meeting to celebrate our work and the achievements of the groups we support.
1988 – 1996: WCF (formerly ‘Wellington Community Trust’), along with 11 similar organisations across New Zealand, was originally formed to distribute the profits accumulated by Trust Bank to charitable organisations in their regions. In 1994, most of the savings banks throughout New Zealand combined and Trust Bank New Zealand Limited was launched as a public company. As owners of the bank, each of the 12 trusts was allocated shares that reflected the size of the banking market in their region.
In May 1996 the combined community trusts sold their controlling interest in Trust Bank New Zealand to Westpac. This sale gave each Trust its founding capital and the freedom to operate independently of a commercial entity. Since then, each has developed its own investment and funding strategies to increase their capital and tailor their distribution of grants in response to the needs in their community.
In 2001 WCF published Making a Difference, a book tracing its foundations and history up to 2000. Copies are available from the Trust or through the National Library.