Hororata Community Trust is a registered charitable trust dedicated to strengthening rural communities in Canterbury.

Established in August 2011 in response to the September 2010 earthquakes, the Trust was formed to help rebuild, restore, and promote the Hororata community and surrounding districts. Over time, our role has grown to focus on long-term community wellbeing, connection, and resilience across a wide geographic area including Hororata, Coalgate, Glentunnel, Whitecliffs, Glenroy, Windwhistle, and Lake Coleridge.

The Trust works alongside local volunteers, community groups, and partners to support projects and facilities that bring people together and help rural communities thrive. Our work includes maintaining and improving community buildings and spaces, supporting new facilities and services, and enabling local groups through resources, promotion, fundraising support, and shared equipment.

Our key projects include:

• Hororata Community Hub – Working with the collective group Go Hororata to develop a modern, future-focused Community Hub that will celebrate local heritage while providing essential spaces for meetings, events, and services. This is the Trust’s primary long-term fundraising focus.

• Hororata Highland Games – One of the largest Scottish festivals in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 10,000 visitors each year and delivered by over 220 dedicated volunteers known as Clan Hororata. The event generates significant social, cultural, and economic benefits for the district.

• Hororata Glow Festival – Launched in 2018, this vibrant community event brings people together through shared experiences and strong volunteer involvement.

• Heritage of Hororata and Beyond – Collaborating with local heritage property owners, museum guardians, and enthusiasts to promote and celebrate the unique stories of our district.

• Enabling our community – Supporting grassroots initiatives by providing resources, fundraising opportunities, promotional support, and investment in shared community equipment.

By supporting the Hororata Community Trust, you are supporting volunteer-led, grassroots projects that make a real and lasting difference in rural Canterbury — helping communities stay connected, resilient, and proud of where they live.