About the North King Country Development Trust
Our Story
The North King Country Development Trust was founded in 1993 during nationwide reforms to the electricity industry. As part of this transition, The Lines Company (formerly Waitomo Energy Services Ltd) became the successor to the local power board, and the Trust was established to ensure long-term investment in the region’s future.
From the beginning, our purpose has been clear: support economic growth, encourage new business development, and strengthen communities across the North King Country.
How we operate
The Trust is guided by a board of six dedicated trustees who meet monthly to review opportunities, support local initiatives, and ensure funding is invested where it will make the greatest impact.
Each year, we make funding available through interest-free loans or grants, helping people turn their business ideas into real, sustainable ventures. Whether you're exploring a new concept, starting a business, or growing an existing one, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Committed to growing our region
Everything we do is focused on empowering local people to succeed. By supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the North King Country, we aim to create jobs, attract new residents, and build a thriving, resilient region for generations to come.
If you have a business idea and want to explore what’s possible, we welcome you to connect with us.
John Robertson
MAYOR OF WAITOMO | Trustee
With experience in Local and Central government and leadership roles in the private sector, John understands business and community. He is energised by those who aspire to accomplish great things in their lives.
john.robertson@waitomo.govt.nz
Kyle Barnes
Trustee
A local entrepreneur and businessman. Kyle brings to the Trust his passion for growing and developing business, as well as being the appointee by the Lines Company, with the directive of promoting business and economic development of our local area.
kyle.barnes@xtra.co.nz
Ripeka Price
Trustee
Raised within the community and an active trustee of Mōkau Kohunui Marae in Piopio, Ripeka brings deep local knowledge, a strong grounding in te ao Māori, and decades of experience in education and community service to the North King Country Development Trust.
With 24 years as a teacher and an early career in nursing at Te Kūiti Hospital, Ripeka has dedicated much of her life to supporting the wellbeing and success of others. She currently works as a Professional Learning and Development Facilitator with Te Nehenehenui, focusing on Māori achievement in literacy, numeracy, and engagement. Her governance experience is extensive, including six years on the Piopio College Board of Trustees.
Ripeka joined the Trust after being invited to consider the role and saw the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region she calls home. She brings strengths in governance, data analysis, and community insight, and is passionate about helping individuals and groups develop their business ideas through both mentoring and financial support.
For Ripeka, economic and community growth means creating real opportunities—especially for youth and school leavers, so they can build their future here rather than feeling compelled to move away. She is deeply inspired by the innovation and resilience she sees in young people starting businesses, adapting to challenges, and carving out new pathways.
One initiative she is particularly proud to have supported is the Directors Workshop, where she encouraged local deputy principals to participate and witnessed aspiring business owners gain confidence and momentum.
Looking ahead, Ripeka hopes to see meaningful, sustainable growth across the region, supported by collaboration, innovation, and strong community spirit. She sees the Trust as a key driver in that journey—empowering local people, enabling business development, and helping the North King Country continue to thrive.
Cathy Prendergast
Trustee
An elected member of the Otorohanga District Council, Cathy joined the Trust in January 2023. Living in the northern King Country, she is passionate about promoting and enabling economic development in regional and rural New Zealand. As a strong advocate, Cathy represents the Trust within the wider Otorohanga area.
Sue Garmonsway
Trustee
Sue is a dedicated trustee who brings strong legal expertise and a deep commitment to community service to the North King Country Development Trust. As a practising lawyer with her own legal practice, and with experience serving on a range of boards, she is passionate about using her skills to give back to the region she calls home.
Motivated by the opportunity to support meaningful and lasting community impact, Sue joined the Trust with the goal of helping build an organisation that is sustainable, effective, and positioned to serve the district well into the future. She plays a key role in guiding the Trust through an increasingly complex legal and compliance landscape—an area where her ability to take the complex and make it clear is invaluable.
Sue believes that economic and community growth are about creating opportunities, stability, and resilience for the people of the North King Country. She is particularly passionate about supporting not-for-profit organisations and helping local initiatives thrive by ensuring they have the right structures, processes, and understanding to succeed.
Looking ahead, Sue sees the region continuing to evolve with new businesses, strengthened community networks, and greater collaboration across sectors. She believes the Trust has a vital role to play—championing local development, supporting innovation, and helping create the conditions for sustainable, long-term growth.
Sue is proud to lend her expertise to the Trust’s work and is committed to helping the region navigate emerging challenges while unlocking new opportunities for the future.
If you see any of our trustees out and about, feel free to stop us for a chat—we’re always happy to kōrero about how the North King Country Development Trust can help bring your business idea to life.
Our commitment to transparency
As a community-focused organisation, the North King Country Development Trust is committed to operating with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Each year, we undertake an independent audit of our performance and financial activity to ensure we are delivering real value to our region and using our resources responsibly.
Our Audited Performance Reports provide a clear overview of:
How our funding has been allocated
The outcomes and impact of our programmes
Our financial position and stewardship
The progress we’re making toward strengthening the North King Country
We invite you to review these reports to see how we’re supporting local businesses, growing capability, and building stronger communities.
Click here to view our Audited Performance Reports.
Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga