Kiwis are continuing to face increased pressure as they battle to make ends meet in an environment where price pressures are even out of the control of the Government.  This manifests itself for our organization as we rely of the diminishing part of the family budget that is the discretionary dollar.  Our weekly turnover figures continue to fluctuate and in total trend lower than previous years.  The effect on us is the reduced amount that we have available for distribution back into the local communities in which we have a presence.

Over the past year there has been little direct support at Government and local body level for the role that Class 4 societies play in supporting community activities.   The licensing of online gambling here in NZ is progressing and sinking lid policies at local government level continue to limit the ability to relocate or develop new venues.  The impact will be that communities and organisations that provide valuable services for the engaged or vulnerable in society, will have to find alternative funding sources to support their service delivery. 

The licensing of online operators will make it easy for players to play from home without the oversight that the harm minimization interventions that are promoted and provided at physical gaming rooms.  It is unlikely that these organisations will match the distribution that we make back to the community through our grants process.

Pleasingly, our annual distribution percentage as of 31^st March 2026 was 43.61%, which highlights the fact that TTCF takes its role as a community funder very seriously indeed.  In dollar terms this is in excess of $9.5m for a range of clubs, schools and organisations across the country, in areas where we have our gaming machines. 

Our distribution was well spread across the four main categories as is illustrated in the table below i.e. Community Wellbeing (41%); Education (17%); Environment, Heritage & Arts (13%); and Sport & Recreation (29%).  I and my fellow directors are very conscious of the fact that each region’s local needs and priorities are often quite different and so we consciously adjust our funding strategies to suit.

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Venue operators and their staff have continued to embrace the challenges that the regulations require of them.  Harm minimization continues to demand significant staff time and effort to provide the oversight and recording requirements that the regulations demand of their gaming machine operation. While this is not their primary activity in the venue, it is pleasing that the unannounced venue inspections that occur from time to time, continue to identify few issues that need to be followed up.

Online training modules available for venue personnel are a key part of ensuring that the current regulatory requirements are being met.  These modules are modified and reviewed on a regular basis with staff and venue operators supported by the Area Managers who continue to provide regular ongoing face to face support and advice.

As stated in previous years, TTCF would be lost without the support and dedication shown by our very loyal and dedicated venue operators and their key personnel.  A big thank you to all concerned.  We also thank those organisations and grant recipients who ensure that the proceeds from our gaming machine activity is efficiently used within their community.

The small but dedicated TTCF team have consistently provided excellent support for grant applicants, venue operators and the TTCF board. They are a disciplined team that ensures that the business operates effectively, Keep up the great work!

Following the 2025 Local body elections we welcome three new Directors to our team.  Vincent Aynsley, Linda Cooper and Margaret Watson replaced Graeme McAuley, Warren Flaunty and Ross Clow.  I wish to take the opportunity to thank the past Chairman Warren Flaunty and the other two retiring directors who have worked tirelessly for the community as elected members of their Licensing Trusts on the TTCF Board for numerous years.  Their knowledge and expertise within the community will be greatly missed. 

Lastly, I’d like to express my gratitude to our Executive Director, Warwick Hodder, I truly value the camaraderie we share during our monthly meetings and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Gary Williams

Chairman

The Trusts Community Foundation