Survey to WEL Energy Trust Candidates 2026
Community Waikato and Creative Waikato invited all candidates standing in the 2026 WEL Energy Trust election to complete our short survey for the benefit of voters connected to the community and creative sectors across the Waikato region.
The WEL Energy Trust plays a critical role in supporting the wellbeing, resilience, creativity, and connectedness of our communities through its community granting programme. Strong and accessible community funding helps organisations respond to growing social needs, support volunteers, foster belonging, strengthen local identity, and enable arts, culture, and community participation to thrive across our region.
These are the questions we asked each candidate:
1. Why are you standing for the WEL Energy Trust?
i.e. What skills, experience, or perspectives would you bring to the Trust?
2. What role do you believe the WEL Energy Trust should play in supporting the wellbeing of communities across the WEL catchment area?
3. What is your understanding of the challenges currently facing community and creative sector organisations?
4. How would you ensure WEL Energy Trust funding remains accessible, fair, and transparent for diverse organisations and communities?
5. What approach would you take to balancing:
investment returns,
dividend distributions,
and community grant funding?
6. How important is funding for arts, culture, creativity, and community connection activities alongside essential social services?
7. How would you engage with communities to understand whether Trust funding is creating meaningful impact?
8. What changes or improvements, if any, would you like to see in the Trust’s grants strategy or funding processes?
9. Is there anything else you would like the community and creative sector to know about your candidacy?