Trust Regears for Future

The Crown Forestry Rental Trust (CFRT) is transforming itself into a streamlined organisation focused on achieving results quickly and efficiently. A number of positions are in the process of being advertised and an announcement regarding the appointment of the new Chief Executive is expected in early July.

“Our aim is to put ourselves out of business and others into it,” says Trustee Paul Morgan. “The Trust has adopted a more business focused approach providing better services to our clients.”

The CFRT is an independent trust that provides funding and support to Maori with claims over Crown forest licensed lands. It has no power to settle claims. The Trust relies on the Waitangi Tribunal report on claims and Office of Treaty Settlements to negotiate Treaty settlements with Maori groups.

“The business of settling claims is solely between Maori and the Crown”, Paul said “We are making sure that Trust assistance enables that to occur as quickly as possible so these claims can be settled and the assets released for investment.”

“The Trust wants to invest in groups who can deliver positive outcomes and we are in the process of recruiting a Chief Executive who can deliver on that mission.”

“The Trust is improving its communication with its Appointors and claimants.” Paul said, “The CFRT has refocused itself on our core areas of responsibility. We have re-engineered the organisation to deliver quality assistance to claimants in as clear and consistent a manner as possible.”

Background

The Crown Forestry Rental Trust is an independent trust with equal numbers of Maori and Crown appointed Trustees. It receives no taxpayer funding.

The main purpose of Trust is the management and administration of interest earned from investment of rental proceeds from Crown forest licensed land. It uses this to assist Maori claimants in the preparation, presentation and negotiation of claims before the Waitangi Tribunal.

For further information please contact:
Dion Tuuta, Manager Policy Development
DDI 04 916 7817, mobile 029-916-7817