About Us

The Trustees Association (NZTA) is a non-profit membership organisation, with the principal objectives of providing support and promotion to our members since 1995, with charitable purposes, a free helpdesk and education to the Public, Trustees and Beneficiaries.

NZTA is a conduit for Trustees to voice opinion, form collective ideas and give direction for the Trust Sector.

NZTA was founded on the 1st of April 1995. The Trustees Association developed from a project beginning in 1991 on the status of trusteeship in New Zealand. This concluded the need for peer appraisal by trustees for trustees, and an increase in resources for the Public who are directly or indirectly affected by trusteeship.

Before this could occur definition was needed of the types of trustees, and the categories of trusteeship. A membership was duly forming based on years of experience, assets administered and other criteria.

Today the Association has c.1400 Members comprised of trustees, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, directors, executives, administrators, corporate bodies, family trusts & individuals.

Following are the 23 major categories of trusteeship recognised by NZTA and defined by principal objectives and local law:- Arts, Charitable, Commercial, Community, Corporate, Education, Energy, Estate, Family, Heritage, Investment, Licensing, Maori, Medical, Off Shore, Philanthropic, Recreation, Religion, Sport, Statutory, Superannuation, Unit Trusts.

Following is a guide to terms used for assessment of Trust Position in the Application Form. The terms are not definitive but are simply a guide to assist in understanding the various titles.

The future of NZTA and trusteeship globally is promising as trusteeship is elevated in status and understanding from the past uncertainty of terms and responsibilities.

Members of the New Zealand Trustees Association have indicated a clear commitment to address concerns within trusteeship by improving the support and promotion of trusteeship.

The annual New Zealand Trust Awards initiated in 1997 (judged on procedure, performance & achievement) have lifted the profile of projects and objectives to the benefit of the Public, Charities, Trustees and Trusts.