Latest news with #Trott
Otago Daily Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
University unfazed by dwindling donations
The University of Otago is brushing off another dramatic drop-off in donations to its Foundation Trust, saying donors continue to seek other ways to contribute. The trust's annual report for 2024, released last week, records that the trust received $3.87 million in new donations for the year. That was down from $7.1m in 2023 and $12.3m in 2022. Otago University chief financial officer Brian Trott said there had not been a drop-off in donations, rather there had been a change in giving patterns. Donors were opting to support immediate and short-term projects managed directly through the university ledger and not endowments that would traditionally go to the trust, he said. "In 2024, total donations to the university amounted to $8.3m, with $3.87m donated to the Foundation Trust and $4.43m allocated to university-managed projects. "Overall donations to the university for 2024 were still healthy. The drop in donations to the foundation does not have any immediate effect on operations." The trust provides funding for research, teaching, scholarships and prizes. Dr Trott said the university's development and alumni relations office had active staff who were experienced in networking with alumni and developing "philanthropic and alumni engagement strategies" to support the university's priority projects. Last year, the university attributed 2023's $5m drop in donations to the trust compared with 2022 partially to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, the economic recession and the prevailing cost-of-living crisis but otherwise gave the same reasoning as Dr Trott for there being no real concern — people donating in other ways. In 2023 and 2024 a controversial rebrand, particularly a new logo, together with significant staff cuts led some donors to threaten pulling their donations or endowments. Asked whether rebranding had affected overall donations, Dr Trott said total "donations to the university itself were in line with expectations". Universities New Zealand chief executive Dr Chris Whelan said tertiary institutions — and indeed the whole country as a rule — did not have the philanthropic culture of universities in the United States, for instance. "In world terms, we're not talking big numbers for donations — although every university in New Zealand welcomes them when they arrive." Donations could "fluctuate" depending on what was going on with the university. Many donors were alumni who contributed widely to further a personal area of interest in study or research and therefore gave for scholarships or equipment or funded specific research, Dr Whelan said. During Covid-19, the university launched a wide-ranging campaign seeking donations or funding to help to cover electricity bills, accommodation costs, travel costs back to campus, essential groceries and toiletries for struggling students. During that period donations to the trust nearly doubled, from $6.8m in 2019 to $12.3m in 2022. Established in August 2002, the trust has a target of making a return on investment of 6.5% a year — it distributes about 4.5% of its returns a year. It made returns of 11.14% last year compared with returns of 9.37% in 2023. During the past year, the trust distributed $11.67m to the university, an increase of about $0.56m on the previous year.
Otago Daily Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
University unfazedby dwindling donations
The University of Otago is brushing off another dramatic drop-off in donations to its Foundation Trust, saying donors continue to seek other ways to contribute. The trust's annual report for 2024, released last week, records that the trust received $3.87 million in new donations for the year. That was down from $7.1m in 2023 and $12.3m in 2022. Otago University chief financial officer Brian Trott said there had not been a drop-off in donations, rather there had been a change in giving patterns. Donors were opting to support immediate and short-term projects managed directly through the university ledger and not endowments that would traditionally go to the trust, he said. "In 2024, total donations to the university amounted to $8.3m, with $3.87m donated to the Foundation Trust and $4.43m allocated to university-managed projects. "Overall donations to the university for 2024 were still healthy. The drop in donations to the foundation does not have any immediate effect on operations." The trust provides funding for research, teaching, scholarships and prizes. Dr Trott said the university's development and alumni relations office had active staff who were experienced in networking with alumni and developing "philanthropic and alumni engagement strategies" to support the university's priority projects. Last year, the university attributed 2023's $5m drop in donations to the trust compared with 2022 partially to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, the economic recession and the prevailing cost-of-living crisis but otherwise gave the same reasoning as Dr Trott for there being no real concern — people donating in other ways. In 2023 and 2024 a controversial rebrand, particularly a new logo, together with significant staff cuts led some donors to threaten pulling their donations or endowments. Asked whether rebranding had affected overall donations, Dr Trott said total "donations to the university itself were in line with expectations". Universities New Zealand chief executive Dr Chris Whelan said tertiary institutions — and indeed the whole country as a rule — did not have the philanthropic culture of universities in the United States, for instance. "In world terms, we're not talking big numbers for donations — although every university in New Zealand welcomes them when they arrive." Donations could "fluctuate" depending on what was going on with the university. Many donors were alumni who contributed widely to further a personal area of interest in study or research and therefore gave for scholarships or equipment or funded specific research, Dr Whelan said. During Covid-19, the university launched a wide-ranging campaign seeking donations or funding to help to cover electricity bills, accommodation costs, travel costs back to campus, essential groceries and toiletries for struggling students. During that period donations to the trust nearly doubled, from $6.8m in 2019 to $12.3m in 2022. Established in August 2002, the trust has a target of making a return on investment of 6.5% a year — it distributes about 4.5% of its returns a year. It made returns of 11.14% last year compared with returns of 9.37% in 2023. During the past year, the trust distributed $11.67m to the university, an increase of about $0.56m on the previous year.
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Jonathan Trott On Final Day Of Third India vs England Test: 'It Was So Tense...'
Last Updated: Jonathan Trott humorously remarked that the gripping conclusion to the third Test between India and England at Lord's left him with no nails. England won by 22 runs, leading 2-1. Former England batter Jonathan Trott has humorously remarked that the gripping conclusion to the third Test between India and England at Lord's left him with no nails. On the final day, India needed 135 runs with six wickets in hand, having been reduced to 58/4 at the close of play on Sunday. Defending a target of 193, Jofra Archer (3-55) and Ben Stokes (3-48) each took three wickets, with solid support from Brydon Carse (2-30) and Chris Woakes (1-21), securing the win for the home side. England triumphed by 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-Test series. 'Once again, a match decided by the finest of margins – 22 runs today. We saw Siraj being consoled. That's exactly what we want to see. We've seen hard-fought cricket over five days, and then handshakes all around. One team had to win, and this time it was England," Trott commented on JioHotstar. 'It was so tense – nail-biting stuff. I'm not sure I've got any nails left! It's a sad way for the game to end, but someone had to win. I think this is great for Tests, a bit of spice, a bit of edginess on the field," Trott said. 'As long as the teams get along off the field and there's no carry-over to the fourth Test, we're good. It's been played hard out there. I can't wait to see who comes out on top," Trott added. Archer initiated the attack on the final day, setting the tone early by dismissing Rishabh Pant in just the third over after play resumed. KL Rahul, who looked solid with a fluent 39 off 58 balls, was the next to fall, beaten by a sharp nip-backer from Ben Stokes. A flicker of resistance came from Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who began to form a promising partnership. However, just before lunch, Chris Woakes broke the stand, bringing England closer to victory. After the break, Jasprit Bumrah provided some support to Jadeja, but the fightback ended when he mishit a pull shot off Stokes, finding substitute fielder Sam Cook. Jadeja, the No. 1-ranked Test all-rounder, continued to show resilience, achieving his fourth successive fifty of the series. Nevertheless, it was not enough to halt England's momentum. The match concluded when Shoaib Bashir delivered a ball that glanced off Mohammed Siraj's bat, trickling onto the stumps and bowling India out for 170, sealing a memorable win and series lead for England. Praising Jadeja's determined unbeaten half-century, Trott acknowledged the all-rounder's exceptional performance in challenging conditions under pressure. 'Hindsight is a beautiful thing. I think Jadeja played incredibly well. I don't see the point in overanalysing him. He manoeuvred himself and the team excellently. He's battled, left well, and had a bit of luck. The ball was spinning away, and yes, there was temptation to attack Bashir. But had he slogged and gotten out, we'd be saying he threw it away. I thought he played exceptionally. The other batters will probably reflect and ask themselves – Why couldn't I have done what Jadeja did to give us a chance?" With IANS Inputs view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 14:16 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Real life 'Fagin' jailed for using kids to rob almost £1,000 of Lego
Trott went on a thieving spree throughout the South West PICK-A-POCKET Real life 'Fagin' jailed for using kids to rob almost £1,000 of Lego Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A "PRESENT-day Fagin' who used children to steal from shops across the south-west has been jailed. Bradley Trott, 32, travelled from town to town robbing thousands of pounds worth of toys and food items. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The city of Bath in Somerset which Trott targeted Credit: Alamy 4 Trott sitting outside Bristol magistrates court where he was jailed for theft 4 Fagin from the movie Oliver! who sent out children to steal for him Credit: Alamy He got one child to help him pick up Lego boxes worth £922.50 and sometimes took a group of kids with him to steal meat, cheese and other items. You have every appearance of being a present-day Fagin. A judge likened him to the character Fagin from Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist who sent out children to pickpocket for him. District Judge Lynne Matthews said: 'You have every appearance of being a present-day Fagin. "You have been taking children into stores and getting them to help you steal goods to fund your habit. 'My view is that you pose a risk to children and it's very likely you will commit further offences.' Bristol magistrates heard he travelled around Bristol, Bath, Radstock and Glastonbury in Somerset on a thieving spree during January of this year. Trott, of Bristol, admitted five charges of theft and one of attempted theft – and all bar one offence involved at least one male child, who helped stash the stolen goods. He was jailed for 26 weeks. He also admitted driving a VW Golf high on cocaine and not having insurance. He is disqualified from driving for 21 months, which includes his prison sentence. The court heard he had a "decent family background" and started using substances at the age of 17. He was previously sentenced on January 29 for theft and given a community order, which tried to address his drug issues. DJ Matthews said the community order was not working and that children were "actively used to facilitate" the offences was an aggravating factor – so he was given his first prison sentence. Trott was also ordered to pay a statutory surcharge of £187 on his release.
The Age
5 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Corporate fairytale: How a boy from the bush rose to run world's third-largest mining giant
Given the size of the iron ore division and its importance to Rio's profit, Trott became a highly important visible executive who would have enormous exposure to the London-based board and to shareholders. Being a global mining house, Rio has a shareholder base that reflects its international citizenship, which is unlikely to be concerned about the nationality of its chief executive but who are supportive of Trott's elevation to the top. But King and Rinehart (whose own mining company has joint venture iron ore operations with Rio) both sit alongside a wider movement to move Rio's base from London to Australia, where its iron ore division provides the global miner with its red-coloured cash cow. However, Rinehart's desire to have the Rio head office moved to Perth amounts to wishful thinking from Australia's iron ore queen. Instead, Trott will be relocated to London. The appointment of an Australian punctuates a line of chief executives who hailed from the ranks of global citizens – the most recent of whom was the Danish Stausholm, who left after speculation he had experienced a falling out with Rio chairman Dominic Barton. Loading Stausholm had filled the vacancy left by Frenchman Jacques. He followed Australian Sam Walsh, who had a brief three-year stint in the role after American Tom Albanese was ousted after a series of ill-fated acquisitions left the company with a $14 billion writedown. Trott will usher in a new phase of Rio's progress, including productivity improvements on existing operations during a time when the iron ore price is under pressure. He needs to continue his task of ensuring improvements in the running and the cost base of the Pilbara iron ore engine, but also manage the introduction into the market of ore from the giant Simandou project in Guinea, in which Rio owns a minority stake alongside its Chinese partners. (This could make the joint venture with Rinehart look like a walk in the park.) Loading Additionally, Trott will have to tackle the numerous challenges of Mongolia's 66 per cent-owned copper and gold mine, which could be one of the world's top five copper mines if developed to its full potential, at a time when the commodity is expected to be in hot demand. This involves dealing with the difficult relationship with the Mongolian government with whom the company is still battling over a tax dispute and historical claims of corruption. And all this needs navigating in the middle of the Trump era of trade upheaval.
