Conservation Efforts Secure Future of Native Birdsong in Otago Community Trust's $507K September Funding Round
14 Oct 2024
Otago Community Trust is pleased to announce the allocation of $507,123 in grants for its September 2024 funding round, supporting a range of community initiatives across the region, from arts and culture to community development and environmental protection.
The sound of native birdsong will long continue to be heard on Otago’s mainland due to extensive conservation efforts. $16,793 has been awarded to Orokonui Ecosanctuary which will fund critical risk mitigation efforts, including 110 additional predator traps, helicopter surveys, and essential arborist services to protect the sanctuary's predator-proof fence.
Amanda Symon, General Manager for Orokonui Ecosanctuary says “The grant from Otago Community Trust will be used to further enhance biosecurity at the sanctuary, ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and predator free environment for some of Aotearoa's most threatened taoka species, such as kākā, takahē, tuatara and tokoeka kiwi. Funds will be used to remove larger trees that could fall on our predator proof fence, reducing the risk of predators like rats and stoats getting in, and to increase the density of traps inside the fence, allowing us to respond quickly in the case of a predator incursion”.
In the arts sector, the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust has received funding of $85,000 to support the delivery of the Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025 and Aspiring Conversations 2026. These cornerstone events bring world-class performances and thought-provoking discussions to the Upper Clutha region.
Ruth Heath, Executive Director of the Wānaka Festival of Colour said “We are very grateful to receive funding from the Otago Community Trust. This support will help us deliver another spectacular Wānaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations, ensuring our programmes remain diverse and accessible with a wide range of events for all to enjoy.”
Additionally, Upper Taieri Wai Incorporated received $5,000 for the Taiari Wai River Festival - a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and conservation in the Māniatoto region. Building on last year's success, this multifaceted event will feature top-tier folk, country, and bluegrass performances, engaging speakers and family-friendly activities, while promoting freshwater conservation and community resilience.
The Trust has also approved funding for several other significant initiatives. Clutha Valley Primary School will receive $15,000 to support an exciting new flying fox project, providing a much-needed recreational facility for both students and the wider community. And the Disability Information Service's Mobile Service secured $25,000 to continue and expand its reach across the Otago region.
"From conservation efforts to supporting accessible arts and community services, this funding round reflects our commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and vibrancy of our Otago communities," Andy Kilsby, Chair of Otago Community Trust added. "We look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and the positive impact they will have on our region."
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Otago Community Trust Grants, September 2024 |
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Alexandra |
Dunstan Arm Rowing Club Inc |
$5,410.00 |
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Journeys Charitable Trust |
$15,000.00 |
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Central Otago Regional Orchestra |
$4,000.00 |
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Alexandra Community Advice Network Inc |
$2,500.00 |
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Balclutha |
Kaka Point Bowling Club Inc |
$5,000.00 |
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Clutha Valley Primary School |
$15,000.00 |
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Cromwell |
Central Otago Pony Club |
$3,650.00 |
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Dunedin |
He Waka Kotuia Trust |
$20,000.00 |
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Tamariki Together |
$60,000.00 |
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Short Film Otago |
$45,000.00 |
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Port Chalmers Golf Club Inc |
$8,500.00 |
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Orokonui Ecosanctuary Ltd |
$16,793.00 |
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Disabled Citizens Soc (Otago) Inc |
$10,000.00 |
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Otago Neighbourhood Support Charitable Trust |
$7,500.00 |
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Otago Touch Assn Inc |
$3,200.00 |
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Blue Oyster Arts Trust |
$6,800.00 |
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The Waitati Music Festival Inc |
$10,000.00 |
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Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua Community Inc |
$5,780.00 |
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English Language Partners Dunedin |
$2,600.00 |
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Portobello School |
$5,000.00 |
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Broad Bay School |
$2,750.00 |
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Oamaru |
North Otago Netball Centre Inc |
$8,500.00 |
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Lower Waitaki Golf Club Inc |
$15,000.00 |
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Scott's Own Sea Scouts |
$8,000.00 |
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Otago |
Disability Information Service Inc T/A Livingwell Disability Resource Centre |
$25,000.00 |
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Catalytic Foundation |
$2,500.00 |
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Institute of Directors in New Zealand Inc |
$5,740.00 |
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Business South Inc |
$69,000.00 |
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Otago Vintage Machinery Club |
$2,900.00 |
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Other |
Kenzie's Gift Charitable Trust |
$3,000.00 |
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Ranfurly |
Upper Taieri Wai Incorporated |
$5,000.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Primary School |
$8,000.00 |
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Upper Clutha Historical Records Society |
$15,000.00 |
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Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust |
$85,000.00 |
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