Thomas George Macarthy Trust
The Thomas George Macarthy Trust gives grants to charitable or educational organisations operating in the old Wellington provincial district, defined as the area of the North Island which is south of Turangi and excluding Taranaki and Hawke's Bay -
All registered schools, kindergartens, play centres, kohanga reo, Pacific Island language groups and Plunket organisations in the trust area receive grants on a biennial or annual basis and do not need to submit applications.
Individuals, sports organisations and service clubs are not eligible to apply.
How to apply
Application guidelines, application form and contact details.
Distributions 2007-2009
View the distributions to each category and organisation.
History
Thomas George Macarthy of Wellington, Brewer, died in Wellington on 19 August 1912.
The Trust created by Mr Macarthy's will, as varied by two Acts of Parliament, provides for so much of the income as the Board of Governors sees fit to be distributed among charitable or educational organisations operating in the Wellington provincial district.
Mr Macarthy was born in London in 1833. Attracted by the gold discoveries in Victoria he went to Australia in the 1850s and when gold was discovered in Otago in 1863 he came to New Zealand. Further discoveries in the West Coast saw him in Charlestown where he established a brewery and entered into speculation in mining ventures.
Seeking to expand his business talents Mr Macarthy came to Wellington in 1877 and bought a brewery in Custom House Quay and later acquired a further brewery in Tory Street. This brewery was demolished in 1979 and replaced by a two storey building which is still owned by the Trust.
As well as being a successful business man Mr Macarthy actively participated in public affairs and is recorded to have been a Director of the Bank of New Zealand and President of the Wellington Racing Club. He also held many other offices.
His obituary describes him as being a very quiet, reserved man who never courted publicity. He was however of a kindly nature and ever ready to give unostentatiously in the cause of genuine charity.
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors comprises those who from time to time hold the following positions:
- Governor General of New Zealand
- Prime Minister of New Zealand
- Mayor of Wellington
- Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington.
Income distributed for year end 2009 was $2.5 million.
Total income distributed since inception of the Trust is over $53.80 million.