For the first time ever in the history of the Trust, it is debt free. The 'suits' from the banks and Inland Revenue Department are out to lunch and the smiles at the Trust are from ear to ear.
Only a year ago, says board member Ngaire Te Hira, the Trust was in a shaky position. "We were not sure what was ahead." Not wanting to sound like a cliché, she says, but it all came down to a few simple things. "The support of whanau, bringing key people back to manage, and asking people to step forward to give us a finely-tuned leadership."
The Trust marked the day, Wednesday 31 January, with a barbeque. But they weren't in the Sky Tower's VIP lounge popping champagne bottles to go with their grilled kai. Instead, the modest, but very significant, celebration was held at the Trust's landmark buildings in Henderson. Well done Whanau!