--- Source: Infinity Foundation Gaming Trust - Detailed Analysis.txt ---

Infinity Foundation Gaming Trust - Detailed Analysis

Date: December 28, 2025

Background

The Infinity Foundation was a gaming trust that operated in New Zealand, primarily in the lower North Island including Hawke's Bay. In 2020, it merged with Grassroots Trust to form Grassroots Trust Central.

Key Events

2011 - DIA Investigation

In November 2011, the Department of Internal Affairs investigated Infinity Foundation for breaching the Gambling Act. The investigation found:

• The trust had distributed grants improperly
• Multiple breaches of the Gambling Act were identified
• The trust's licence was at risk of suspension

2012 - Breaches Confirmed

An NZ Herald article from October 26, 2012 confirmed:

• Infinity Foundation breached the Gambling Act several times
• The trust distributed $320,357 worth of grants improperly
• This was described as a "well-known Hawke's Bay charity"

2020 - Merger with Grassroots Trust

In August 2020, Infinity Foundation merged with Grassroots Trust:

• Territorial split agreed: Grassroots operates north of Taupo, Infinity south of Taupo
• Combined under the Grassroots Trust Central brand
• Stated purpose: "ultimate benefit of New Zealand communities"

Key Trustees (2011)

According to media reports, Infinity Foundation trustees at the time of the 2011 investigation included:

• Peter Dennehy - Former Hastings Coroner

- Stood down from the trust around 2011

- Was described as a "barrister and solicitor"

- LinkedIn shows he later worked in security/protective services

• Blair Furlong - 1970s All Blacks player

- Listed as a trustee at the time

Investigation Relevance

Hastings Connection

Peter Dennehy was a former Hastings Coroner - this places him directly in the Hawke's Bay legal/judicial system. As a coroner, he would have had:

• Access to death records and estate matters
• Knowledge of local families and their assets
• Connections to the legal profession in the region

Gaming Trust Breach Pattern

The Infinity Foundation case demonstrates:

• Gaming trusts in Hawke's Bay have a history of improper grant distribution
• Trustees included legal professionals (Dennehy was a barrister/solicitor)
• The DIA has actively investigated such breaches
• $320,357 in improper grants is a significant sum

Potential Connection Points

The presence of a former Hastings Coroner as a trustee of a gaming trust that breached the Gambling Act raises questions:

• Did Dennehy have any connection to Langley Twigg or Oldershaw?
• Were any grants from Infinity Foundation directed to entities connected to the investigation?
• Did Dennehy's coroner role overlap with any Māori land matters?

Cross-Reference Required

• [ ] Check if Peter Dennehy has any connection to Langley Twigg
• [ ] Check if Peter Dennehy has any connection to NIT network entities
• [ ] Identify which organizations received the $320,357 in improper grants
• [ ] Check if Infinity Foundation ever funded PAMT or related entities

Sources

• Stuff.co.nz - "Gaming trust 'breached act'" (November 5, 2011)
• NZ Herald - "Charity's breaches revealed" (October 26, 2012)
• Grassroots Trust Central website
• Race Cafe forum discussion