FAQ

GHL is a Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO). A CCTO is tasked with undertaking activities on behalf of a council. This is common practice within New Zealand local government.

We were established in 1998 and now own Tauwhareparae Farms, Waikanae Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Wash’n Go Gisborne Auto Wash, and a property portfolio, which includes the municipal offices and supporting properties. We also manage community housing on behalf of Council. GHL has net assets of $139 million.

We exist to manage Council’s commercial assets in a sustainable and profitable way. By owning these assets, we can operate without some of the restrictions of Council ownership. Through our management of these assets, we can provide for Tairāwhiti via an annual cash distribution to Council.

The biggest advantage of having GHL own and operate businesses on behalf of Council is the ability to make the capital work in a commercial sense. We can compete in the commercial world, without the constraints of the political environment.

GHL agrees key performance targets with Council. Its performance in relation to these targets can be found in the latest Statement of Intent and Annual Report.