The Sustainable Bay of Plenty Trust has formally closed, with its remaining funds distributed to three local charities that are continuing its environmental platform.

The decision follows a year-long hiatus triggered by the resignation of key team members Glen Crowther and Erin Nicholson, and comes after the trustees were unable to find a viable path forward that honoured the trust’s legacy and commitments to funders.

In a statement this week, the Sustainable Bay of Plenty Trust (SBOP) said it “was the intention of the trustees to take stock and consider the future of the trust”.

The trustees explored numerous scenarios to continue but were unable to find a solution that they said “would do justice to the funders and to the legacy left by Crowther”.

The SBOP constitution requires the redistribution of any remaining funds to local organisations pursuing charitable outcomes similar to those of the SBOP.

Three organisations have been identified and the remaining funds have been spilt in three equal amounts to support their work.

The Bay Conservation Alliance (BCA), specifically its Seed fund, was one of the three recipients.

BCA chief executive Michelle Elborn said it was grateful to receive the donation of funds.

“Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the great work SBOP has led over recent years,” Elborn said.

“It is sad to have to make the decision to not continue but we are sure some of your activities will have long-standing influence.

“We will allocate these funds to our Seed fund, which is available to all our member groups, to support their valuable conservation mahi [work] on the ground.”

Tiwaiwaka was another charity chosen for these funds to support with establishment and resourcing.

“Tīwaiwaka gratefully receives this koha from SBOP, with heartfelt thanks for their generous support and for the important mahi carried out on behalf of the whenua over the years,” founder and native ecosystem and Rongoā Māori educator Rob McGowan (Pā Rōpata) said.

“Tīwaiwaka is both a movement and a collective of people from all walks of life, committed to healing the mauri [life force] of the whenua [land].”

The movement offered a pathway of hope for the future, as communities faced the realities of climate change and environmental challenges, working together to care for the places they called home.

“Together, we will strive to honour SBOP’s legacy by strengthening our kaupapa, which prioritises the health of Papatūānuku and supports the people who do so much to care for her.

“By doing this, we uplift the wellbeing of our communities.

“Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata. When the land is well, we are well.”

The third charity chosen to receive these funds was Envirohub, specifically for the Climate Action Festival.

Envirohub Bay of Plenty chief executive Laura Wragg said it was very grateful to be chosen as a recipient of SBOP’s final donation.

“SBOP has played an important role in progressing sustainability outcomes across our region and we acknowledge their significant contribution.

“This donation will support our Climate Action Festival, helping to drive meaningful community-led climate action – a fitting continuation of SBOP’s vision."