We are proud to be one of only two trusts in New Zealand - both located in the Wairarapa, just 23 kilometres apart - that have the legislative backing to support our communities in this unique way. Greytown Lands Trust has been doing exactly that since 1871.

For over 150 years, our Trustees have played a vital role in shaping Greytown. From building essential public facilities and creating green spaces to supporting education and community initiatives, our work has helped lay the foundations for the vibrant and thriving town we see today.

We honour our past and look forward to the future—continuing our mission to make Greytown a great place to live, work, and play.

The History of the Greytown District Trust Lands Part I by BH Jack Bull.

History of the Greytown District Trust Lands Part II by June Prince.

A Legacy of Community

Greytown Lands Trust and its assets are a legacy left to the people of Greytown by the early pioneers of the Small Farms Association, established in the 1850s.

Joseph Masters, a Wellington barrel-maker and advocate for working-class settlers, led a delegation to meet with Governor Sir George Grey. Their goal was to secure 25,000 acres in the Wairarapa for small farm settlements, making land ownership possible for working families.

The Government agreed—if suitable land could be found and Māori landowners were willing to sell, it would purchase the land and make it available at a reduced cost. When no single area large enough for the entire proposed settlement was found, the Association opted for two separate locations: one near the Waiohine River, which became Greytown, and another on the Waipoua River, the site of present-day Masterton.

Each town was designed to include 100 acres of one-acre town sections, surrounded by 40-acre suburban sections and larger rural lots of up to 100 acres. Purchasers of a 40-acre suburban lot were entitled to a one-acre town allotment.

By the late 1850s, some land remained unsold or had been abandoned. According to the Association’s rules, this land was to be auctioned, with the proceeds used for the benefit of the community. While Masterton's unsold land failed to attract buyers Charles Carter, acting as trustee, began leasing the land and eventually established a trust to manage the income.

However, this move sparked conflict among settlers. A meeting in November 1867 aimed to resolve tensions by creating a new trust with three representatives from each town. Further disagreements led to the establishment of interim trusts for both towns.

Finally, in 1871, an Act of Parliament legally separated the settlements and created two independent Boards of Trustees: the Greytown Trust Lands Trust and the Masterton Trust Lands Trust.

Thanks to this legislation, the ownership and stewardship of the Greytown trust lands were returned to the people of the town. Except for minor amendments expanding its scope, the Trust’s core mission has remained steadfast ever since.

Our beneficiaries are the people of Greytown.

Read more about how we currently fund and help our community in the grants and news sections.

Beneficiaries of Greytown Lands Trust grants must live or operate within the Trust’s defined geographical boundaries being the Greytown District Electoral Ward.

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