Church Property Trustees

The Church Property Trustees have custodial responsibility for many of the Church’s assets.

Properties belonging to the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand are vested in two separate trusts. The Waitaki River (North Otago) is the geographical boundary for the two trusts. Property north of the Waitaki River is vested in The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees. 

All property is held on behalf of parishes in this area in the name of the Church Property Trustees. As well as their property responsibilities, the Trustees manage the major funds of the Church - in particular the Presbyterian Investment Fund and the ministers' Beneficiary Fund. They are also responsible for overseeing a variety of trusts on behalf of the Church including two large farms.

The Trustees

The Trustees are appointed and report to the General Assembly. The Trustees’ responsibilities are defined by a private act of parliament called the Presbyterian Church Property Act 1885 and also trust law. All monies are held in trust and managed in such a way to serve the interests of the Church.

Who are the Trustees?

Trustees' Annual Report 

View the Annual Report and Operational Accounts for the year ending 30 June 2023. Reports and accounts from prior years are available on request.

Contact us

All enquiries regarding Trustee activities should be directed to either:

Russell Garrett, Executive Officer, Church Property Trustees (phone 04 381 8296 or email russell@presbyterian.org.nz) or

John White, Property and Administration Manager (phone 04 381 8290, email johnw@presbyterian.org.nz

The Trustees’ postal address is PO Box 9049, Wellington 6141.