Established in June 1994, it came about as part of the Government energy reforms. Over the years it has grown its original $32 million to a portfolio now valued at more than $135 million, while at the same time giving millions to worthy local causes.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says the trust has played a significant and vital role in the development of the Rotorua community over the last 20 years.
She says she looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the trust to achieve the community's and council's bold Rotorua 2030 vision and goals.
In the 2003/2004 financial year, the trust's then chairwoman Judy Keaney announced it would make a $10 million grant to allow the Sportsdrome to triple in size and be equipped to provide a world-class events centre.
The reality of what was eventually built was even better - so much so the trust increased its donation to $13 million.
Who's who
The Rotorua Energy Events Centre was officially opened in March 2007 amid much fanfare.
The special opening weekend saw a variety of events, including an outdoor concert and party for locals and a red carpet dinner function for sponsors and the "who's who" of Rotorua. Then Prime Minister Helen Clark was even among the guest list.
Mrs Chadwick says it was unlikely Rotorua could have afforded the Energy Events Centre without the trust.
"The Energy Events Centre is a source of great pride for Rotorua people. It's the envy of cities and regions around the country and it positions Rotorua as one of New Zealand's top event destinations."
She says combined with Rotorua's substantial visitor accommodation infrastructure, our city can now attract major events that few other cities can accommodate.
Recent announcements on successful bids to host TRENZ 2015 - the country's largest international tourism event - and the 2015 New Zealand Local Government conference are examples of Rotorua's capacity and capability to host major conventions, exhibitions, and cultural and sporting events.
"These events contribute significantly to our local economy and they build valuable national and international profile for our district," Mrs Chadwick says. "They provide many business opportunities for local suppliers and contractors and, importantly, they translate into employment for Rotorua people."
Local businesses benefit
Haidee Hunt, from Dynamics Audio Visual, says she and her team have provided services for a number of events for the last 20 years that would not have been able to proceed had it not been for the "wonderful contributions" from the trust.
"These events have been of great benefit to the wider community."
Event Impressions managing directors Jacqui and Jeff Alexander say it was vital in 2007 for the future of events in Rotorua that something was done to meet the demand for bigger events to come to the city.
"The funding from Rotorua Trust was pretty amazing. Our company works with events all over New Zealand but any event at home is always a delight, so we have always been on board promoting and encouraging events to visit and use these fabulous facilities," Mr Alexander said.
TOP 5 GRANTS
1. The Energy Events Centre - $13m
2. The undergrounding of power lines - $5.4m
3. Rotorua Museum - $4.7m
4. Millennium projects (several projects) - $4.7m
5. International stadium redevelopment - $3.2m
LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS
1. Scholarships and bursaries - $4.7m
2. Parksyde - $1.1m
3. MRI scanner - $1m
4. Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter - $687,000
5. Chemotherapy unit - $670,000
6. Stadium lighting - $600,000
7. City safety lighting and CCTV cameras - $522,500
8. Waiariki Institute of Technology - $500,000
9. CT scanner - $476,000
