Snedden joins panel

Former ASBCT trustee Pat Snedden has joined the Initiative selection panel, adding his mana and intellect to the process of deciding which groups will be funded.

He joined a Northland hui in November where shortlisted groups gathered to discuss their projects and look at ways to push the kaupapa forward. Two similar hui are planned in Auckland in December, encouraging korero around the vision of Maori and Pasifika educational excellence.

The 37 shortlisted groups are now working on their full business plans, which they must send to the Trust by January 16.  The selection panel will then make recommendations to the ASBCT board and the final list of MPEI projects to be funded will be announced by April 2009.

Funds secure

Some questions have been asked about continuing funding for the Initiative in light of the Trust’s recent investment losses. Although ASB Community Trust’s general grants budget will be smaller in 2009, the Initiative will not be affected because funds were set aside and ring-fenced for the project in 2007.

For more about the investment result story, read ‘Protecting Our Assets’