About us

Establishment

Development West Coast (DWC) was set up as a Charitable Trust in 2001 to manage, invest and distribute income from a fund of $92 million received from the Government.

This fund was an adjustment package for the loss of indigenous forestry and the privatisation of much infrastructure on the West Coast in the late 1990s.

DWC is governed by a Deed of Trust which specifies DWC's Objects - to promote sustainable employment opportunities; and generate sustainable economic benefits for the West Coast, both now and into the future.

A Board of eight Trustees govern DWC and they are supported by an Advisory Body who assist them on matters around the commercial finance function, and Investment Advisors who assist them on the management of the Fund. A staff of 23 carry out the day to day functions of the Trust.

These objectives are met through the provision of a range of business and economic interventions, including business finance, business support and advisory services, industry and sector support and research and innovation projects.

• Download Deed of Trust (PDF: 348KB)
• DWC strategy 2023-2028
• Feedback and complaints

DWC’s direct investment into the West Coast economy has now reached $197.4m while still maintaining the Fund at $146.9m. This has all been achieved from an initial fund of $92m.

A Board of eight Trustees govern DWC and they are supported by an Advisory Body who assist them on matters around the commercial finance function, and Investment Advisors who assist them on the management of the Fund. A staff of 23 carry out the day to day functions of the Trust.

• DWC Staff
• Board of Trustees
• Advisory Body

DWC welcomes your feedback on any matters, whether you wish to provide feedback on our website content, seek clarification or more information on a particular project or service, or whether you wish to make an enquiry or complaint about our financial service.

If you have general feedback to provide or wish to make a general enquiry about DWC and its services, please email us at info@dwc.org.nz or call us on 0800 768 0140. Our staff will be only too pleased to assist and direct you to the right people.

If you would like to book accommodation or activities on the West Coast, please contact the operators directly.