Proposal for a Rod Donald Charitable Trust for Banks Peninsula Projects

3 September 2007

PUBLIC CONSULTATION / HAVE YOUR SAY

The legacy of the late Rod Donald, environmentalist, election reform advocate, former Banks Peninsula MP and Green Party Co-leader, could live on in a charitable trust that would engage in projects to maintain and develop the Banks Peninsula environment.

The Christchurch City Council starts its consultation with the public today on establishing a charitable trust named after Mr Donald to encourage environmental and recreational opportunities and to preserve those areas that have heritage significance.  This may involve preserving and planting native vegetation and protecting endangered species, possibly the provision of low-cost camping facilities and public access to parks and reserves, and preserving the important natural and built heritage of Banks Peninsula.

“Just as Rod Donald was generous of his time and inspired us with his vision, we want to be able to share all the great things about Banks Peninsula with everyone while preserving our heritage and our environment”, says Mayor Garry Moore.

The Council proposes to establish the trust as a Council-controlled organisation so it will have the right to appoint half or more of the trustees and to regularly undertake performance monitoring of the trust’s activities.

The initial funds of the trust would be the $2.8 million that resulted from the sale of endowment properties owned by the former Banks Peninsula District Council.  It is proposed to task the trustees to conserve and grow the funds.  By attracting financial contributions from other sources, the trust could achieve a level of capital growth that would allow significant expenditure and provide the income to finance the projects.

The Council consultation will run from Monday 3 September until 5pm Wednesday 3 October 2007 during which the public can make submissions on the proposals.  For more information and to make a submission, the public can go to the Council website www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay.

For further information, contact Communications Adviser Monique MacIntosh at DDI (03) 941-8082. 

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