Chairman’s Welcome

This has been a year of both meaningful progress and heartfelt reflection for the Hugo Charitable Trust.

As always, we have remained focused on honouring Hugh Green’s vision: to help people across New Zealand in practical, compassionate, and impactful ways. Our donations have once again spanned a wide range of needs – from health and disability support, to community welfare and the environment – ensuring our work continues to reach those most in need.

We were deeply saddened by the passing of our Trustee and friend, Bruce Stewart KC. Bruce was instrumental in the founding of the Hugo Charitable Trust and brought integrity, wisdom, and humour to every step of our journey. His legacy of service and his fierce care for the “little guy” lives on in everything we do, and we are proud to continue supporting the Hugo Charitable Trust Bruce Stewart Scholarships in his honour.

This year, we continued to invest in world-class cancer care. At St George’s Cancer Care Centre, we funded leading-edge surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) technology that will improve comfort and clinical accuracy for patients undergoing radiation treatment. We were also pleased to support The Cancer Society (Southern), helping provide vital accommodation, transport, and wellbeing support to patients and their families when they need it most.

Our commitment to those living with a disability remains strong. The New Zealand Spinal Trust received support for its Peer & Whānau programmes – offering independence, hope, and community for people adapting to life after spinal injury. We also assisted the Chris Ruth Centre in Christchurch, supporting individuals with complex physical and intellectual needs to live fulfilled and connected lives.

Hugo’s ability to give so widely originates from a remarkable story of hard work and entrepreneurship. In 1950s New Zealand, Hugh Green and Barney McCahill transformed six shovels and a hired truck into one of the country’s leading civil construction companies – Green & McCahill. Hugh would be proud to see that the success he created now supports thousands of New Zealanders across such diverse areas of need.

To our Founder Maryanne, my fellow Trustees, Aoibheann and Kathryn, and our dedicated team – thank you. Your commitment ensures that Hugh’s generosity continues to echo through generations.

Warm regards,

Mark Owens
Chair & Trustee