Council adopts revised Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Policy
Published on September 12, 2025
Horowhenua District Council has adopted the Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Policy, following a month-long consultation with the community.
In July, Council asked for community feedback on the proposed Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Policy. The version adopted on Wednesday was revised to incorporate that feedback.
With the last Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Policy adopted in 2009, there was a need for a more structured and inclusive framework to ensure the policy continued to deliver intergenerational benefit, aligned with modern governance expectations, and reflected the values and priorities of the community it served.
In response to these needs, a working group comprising representatives of the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board, Kerekere Ward Councillors, Horowhenua (Māori) Ward Councillors, and descendants of Papangaio J Block was formed. They held many workshops, including a hui at Paranui Marae, and came up with the draft policy.
During the consultation period, 23 formal submissions were received, and 60.8% of those expressed support for the proposed direction of the policy.
Community engagement revealed a generally strong level of support for the proposed policy, particularly around the goals of improving transparency, strengthening governance, and embedding cultural recognition.
Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says the feedback received from the community was a crucial part of the process.
“We are grateful to everyone who made a submission. Careful consideration has been given to the wide range of perspectives shared and I am confident the revised policy adopted today reflects and integrates that feedback well,” she says.
“We now have a Foxton Beach Endowment Fund policy that establishes a strong foundation for transparent, modern fund governance which provides clarity on principles, priorities, and process for future grant making.”
During the consultation, a strong theme of safeguarding the fund emerged. Submitters supported mechanisms such as spending thresholds and retaining a “cap" as a buffer against depletion. This showed a clear expectation of long-term, intergenerational responsibility and the fund’s ongoing growth and sustainability remain a top priority.