With the initiative of some local people, and after the results of an Internal Affairs survey in August 1999 on the needs of youth in Southland, and the comments of an international youth consultant speaking at the Croydon Lodge later that year, a brainstorming session with some key community people was held in December 1999.

In May 2000 a public meeting was held and there was a call for interest to set up an initiating group and form a committee. This meeting outlined the CNT as an umbrella group, discussed a purpose intended for a community house, held an open forum for views to be aired and verified how this project met all three avenues of the Gore District Councils mission. An initiating committee was set up and funding was the next step. The Community Networking Trust (Eastern Southland) Inc. The Community Networking Trust (CNT) was established in 2000 as a not for profit, Incorporated Society with Charitable status. CNT is Governed by a volunteer Board. Funded through a mix of contracts (including Government) and via community funders, 11 staff are employed in a mix of full and part time roles. CNT was formed with the following aims.

• Provided a legal entity in order to apply for funding as a charitable trust.
• Funding accountability to be a source of funding and disburse it to linked groups.
• Networking in the form of : information sharing, more effective use of the funding that is available, less duplication of similar services, mutual support and providing premises.
• Promotion all community groups and agencies that are positive, helpful and beneficial for the community will be welcomed to be part of this. The CNT will endeavour to promote them.
• Provision of resources in particular a community connection centre as a first initiative.

In October 2000 premises were leased for the Community Connections Centre, and a number of groups have come to operate from there. The 8th of November 2010 marked the 10th Anniversary of the CNT and the official opening of the new premises at 1 Charlton Lane.CNT are very experienced in the delivery of projects and initiatives within our community. Over the years we have been operating, we have been the fund holder and lead organisation in several communitywide initiatives, including major Government pilots / projects.
As an organisation we are aware of the need to provide an equitable service to all in our community. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we deliver services to meet all needs, and in line with our CNT core values.
We are a non-denominational, politically neutral organisation who believes in using a strengths-based approach where possible when delivering services.