Over $530,000 was awarded to 12 community groups and initiatives in the final funding round for the year from Trust Tairāwhiti.
The largest distribution of $280,000 was approved for Gisborne City Vintage Rail (GCVR) to contribute to repair work on seven rail bridges used by the WA165 steam train.
The repairs will enable GCVR to continue providing rail experiences for whānau, community, educational and tourism excursions. Over the last 15 years, the GCVR has restored the 125-year-old Wa165 steam locomotive, which is the only surviving steam train of its kind in the world.
The Sunrise Foundation was granted $120,000 to support their operations and achieve future sustainability with their endowment fund. The Sunrise Foundation raises funds from donations and legacies and invests to retain and grow capital, enabling them to provide grants for charitable causes in Tairāwhiti. The endowment fund supports health, education, arts and heritage, environment, community and sports initiatives. Since its inception, The Sunrise Foundation has granted $750,000 and raised $6.5m in endowments.
The Tairāwhiti Cultural Development Trust (TCDT) will receive $50,000 to support five kapa haka groups to attend the national competition, Te Matatini, in February 2023.
The kapa representing Tairāwhiti at Te Matatini are Hikurangi Pariha, Te Whānau a Kai, Tu Te Manawa Maurea, Waihirere and Whangara Mai Tawhiti.
Tairāwhiti Tapuwae Trails was granted $60,000 from the Trust’s Innovation and Research Fund towards feasibility cases for proposed recreational parks at Ruatoria and Arai Matawai. This work will investigate the feasibility for creating trails for mountain biking, running and walking.
Other funding recipients this month were:
- Ahikaa Associates Limited - $9791.54 to support a pilot internship that explores digital tech pathways as opportunities for the future ahikaa of whānau, hapu and marae communities.
- Federated Farmers Gisborne Wairoa - $2603 towards the installation of remote wifi repeater sites for generators in rural areas, supporting resilience during electricity outages.
- Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou - $10,000 towards Ngati Porou Pa Wars and Hikurangi Dawn Ceremony.
- Gisborne Chamber of Commerce- $7325 towards the regional calendar of business events.
- Pakowhai No. 2 Incorporation - $9400 to fund and explore region specific data on seaweed rehabilitation of degraded coastlines.
- Whataupoko Playcentre - $4500 for playground upgrades.
- Stroke Tairāwhiti - $10,000 towards operating costs.
- Hinenui Whanui Charitable Trust - $20,000 towards Tāmanuhiri Day and to help facilitate their pakeke programme in 2023.
Each of the projects and initiatives strongly align with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, and will lead to meaningful outcomes for Tairāwhiti communities.
The next funding round for applications under $10,000 closes on 17 February 2023.
For more information on Trust distributions and funding FAQs, visit Apply for funding.