Chairman’s Welcome

We’re delighted to share our Annual Report with you! This past year has been another remarkable one, filled with growth and generosity—all made possible by the dedication of our team and the incredible support of our founder and trustees.

Our story began in 1949 when Hugh (Hugo) Green met Barney McCahill while working in a damp, dark tunnel in the north of Scotland. Neither could have imagined the lasting impact they would have on the other side of the world. After immigrating to New Zealand, the two young men founded Green & McCahill, which became one of the country’s largest private civil construction companies. Specializing in civil works, particularly tunnelling, Hugh and Barney built a thriving business that employed over 400 people—many of them fellow Irish immigrants. Thanks to the success of Hugh’s entrepreneurship, the Hugo Charitable Trust can now give back on behalf of Hugh to the country that provided him with so many opportunities.

With Hugh’s background in civil engineering, especially tunnelling, we were especially pleased to support the Wakatipu Trails Trust in transforming an abandoned miners’ tunnel into a highlight of the Shotover Gorge cycle trail. We also helped the Glenorchy Trails Trust build a new bridge at Buckler Burn, linking Glenorchy with the Whakaari Conservation Park.

On the financial front, Hugo had a strong year, growing our capital base to over $85 million while donating more than $2.5 million to important causes.

We hope you enjoy reading this year’s report! Many of the stories are written by the very people who have received our support, giving you an authentic and heartfelt look at the impact of our work.

A huge thank you to our Founder, Maryanne Green, our CEO, and Trustee Aoibheann Monaghan, and our Trustees, Bruce Stewart KC, and Kathryn Roberts, for their hard work and dedication. Their commitment allows the Hugo Charitable Trust to continue making a real difference in New Zealand and to honour Hugh Green’s incredible legacy.

Warm regards,

Mark Owens
Chair & Trustee