Mr Barnett, who was MP for Christchurch Central from 1996 to 2008, has taken over from Liz Shea, who retired from the role late last year after holding the position for 13 years.
Trust chairman Nathan Mills said that before and since his MP role, Mr Barnett had led several diverse organisations, with a common thread of being strongly focused on community advancement.
"Tim impressed trustees through the appointment process with his vision for how the role can lead and facilitate the ongoing development of the trust in community engagement, grant making and strategic planning.
"He’s an experienced people leader who’s led several organisations across New Zealand, South Africa, and mostly recently the Northern Territory of Australia.
"We feel very fortunate to have secured his services.’’
Mr Barnett said in previous roles he had engaged with community leaders and issues in Mid and South Canterbury.
"My new role is a unique opportunity to build and deepen that, working with trustees and our staff team to make sure we maximise our giving, invest effectively and move the dial on challenges in the social, environmental and cultural fields.’’
He started in the job on April 28, and will live in Timaru.
The Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury is one of 12 community trusts that acquired ownership of their local Trust Banks in the early 1990s. Once sold, the funds realised were invested in a diverse range of investments, whose returns fund trust operating costs and grant-making activities.
The trust grants $2million-$2.5m annually to charitable organisations, community groups and clubs based in the Waimate, Timaru, Mackenzie and/or Ashburton districts.
Since 1994, it has granted more than $40m, and its investment portfolio is worth more than $50m.
