Otago’s Events Calendar Receives Major Funding Boost From Otago Community Trust
9 Sep 2024
Mark your calendars Otago, it’s about to be a busy one throughout the region! Events and festivals were a big theme for Otago Community Trust’s August Grants Round. A total of $432,972 went to 29 community groups including Otago Polyfest, Wānaka’s Stars in Your Eyes, Alexandra’s Blossom Festival and Central Otago’s WoolOn events, among many others.
Otago Polyfest is back for 2024! A vibrant celebration of Māori and Pacific cultures, Polyfest showcases the talents of an estimated 160 groups from early learning services and schools across the Otago region. Co-chair of Otago Polyfest, Ange Kiore says “We are incredibly grateful for OCT's ongoing support, which will enhance our ability to bring Otago Polyfest to life this year... It will enable us to support our performers, engage with more local groups, and ensure that our festival continues to be a space where everyone can celebrate and share their heritage.”
The multi-day event held over the 9th – 13th September received a $50,000 boost from Otago Community Trust. It continues to grow in popularity, with registrations received from various districts including Dunedin, Waitaki, Clutha, Queenstown Lakes, and Central Otago. “The impact of this grant will be felt not just during the festival but throughout our community, as we continue to foster connections and celebrate diversity” said Ange.
The annual Stars In Your Eyes show is set to dazzle Wānaka once again, with proceeds going directly back into the community supporting young musicians. This beloved community event, which received a grant of $5,000 from Otago Community Trust, is held over the 18th to 21st September and showcases the skills of around 35 volunteer performers. Supported by a live band, backing singers, and dancers, all striving to achieve professional standards, the show is a testament to the power of community collaboration.
Isabelle Prosser said "receiving a grant from the Otago Community Trust enables us to stage our flagship show, 'Stars in Your Eyes.' The proceeds from this event are then reinvested into the community, directly supporting music education for young people in the Upper Clutha."
WoolOn is an annual celebration of wool in fashion and design. With a $10,000 grant from Otago Community Trust, this year they expanded their offerings with a Community Education and Celebration of Wool Day, along with their signature Runway Show.
Their commitment to education extends beyond the event itself, with ongoing initiatives to inform the community about the importance of wool in everyday life, its environmental benefits, and its potential in fashion and craft. By promoting wool as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibres, WoolOn is not only celebrating local heritage but also contributing to a more environmentally conscious future in fashion and textile production.
The Alexandra Blossom Festival is set to mark its 67th year with a $6,000 boost from Otago Community Trust. The annual event, heralding the arrival of spring, has become a cornerstone of community spirit in Alexandra. The festival engages the entire community, from early learning centres and schools to senior citizens and various clubs and sporting groups, priding itself on being accessible and affordable for all.
This year's festival promises to continue its tradition of fostering community spirit, celebrating diversity, and showcasing the best of Alexandra as the town prepares to welcome spring once again.
Other grants went to He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust who received $8,000 to stage performances in Ōtepoti/Dunedin of Prima Facie by Suzie Miller, WEKA (Wellness Empathy Kindness Aotearoa Trust) received a boost of $5,200 to run the Ōtepoti Hip-Hop Hustle 2024 and Show Me Shorts Film Festival Trust received $4,524 to assist with the Show Me Shorts Film Festival in Ōtepoti/Dunedin.
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Otago Community Trust Grants, August 2024 |
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Alexandra |
Alexandra Blossom Festival Inc |
$6,000.00 |
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Balclutha |
Special Olympics South Otago Trust |
$800.00 |
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Dunedin |
South Dunedin Hall Trust |
$12,000.00 |
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Te Mana Ahua Ake Charitable Trust |
$50,000.00 |
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Hope Church Dunedin Incorporated |
$1,000.00 |
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Wakari Cubs & Scout Group - Scout Assn of NZ |
$6,500.00 |
|
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Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust |
$5,000.00 |
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King's High School |
$37,500.00 |
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Wakari Art Group |
$548.00 |
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Dunedin Tap Dancing Society |
$2,000.00 |
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Milton |
Taieri Mouth First Response |
$1,000.00 |
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Mount Zion Church |
$3,000.00 |
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Mosgiel |
Taieri Blokes Shed Society Inc |
$1,000.00 |
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Oamaru |
East Otago High School |
$6,500.00 |
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The North Otago Lawn Tennis Association Incorporated |
$4,300.00 |
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26 Squadron Air Training Corp Oamaru |
$6,400.00 |
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Otago |
Community Employment |
$28,600.00 |
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He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust |
$8,000.00 |
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Royal New Zealand Plunket Trust |
$18,000.00 |
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Wellness Empathy Kindness Aotearoa Trust (WEKA) |
$5,200.00 |
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EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) |
$175,000.00 |
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Show Me Shorts Film Festival Trust |
$4,524.00 |
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Otago Fish & Game Council |
$2,900.00 |
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Otago Country Music Club Inc |
$1,700.00 |
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Other |
BMX New Zealand Incorporated |
$7,500.00 |
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Residents Association Omarama Inc |
$10,000.00 |
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Play It Strange Trust |
$13,000.00 |
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WoolOn Creative & Fashion Society Incorporated |
$10,000.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Musicians Incorporated |
$5,000.00 |
