What is a Licensing Trust? -  Openly accountable / Community owned / Democratically elected  

Licensing Trusts were introduced into New Zealand via the Licensing Trust Act (1949)

The Ashburton Trust has been in existence for 61 years and is governed by the Sale of Liquor Act 1989. The Trust is owned by the community of Ashburton and is governed by a Board of six Trustees who are elected from our community under the Local Electoral Act 2001.

The Trust’s mandate is to provide quality accommodation, food, beverage and entertainment facilities for the residents of, and visitors to, Ashburton. The Ashburton Trust operates a number of businesses in the hospitality industry in Ashburton, including hotels, motels, restaurants, bars and retail liquor outlets.

Through our success and profitability, we ensure ongoing benefits for the people of Ashburton by returning a share of the profits to our community. Grants and donations are usually to sports, arts, culture, amenities, education, health, community organisations and to meet community needs.

Through democracy and robust reporting to the public, Ashburton Licensing Trust is uniquely accountable to the people they serve.

Since the existence of the Ashburton Trust over $13 million has been returned to the community