Money pours in for Te Mata Park Visitors' Centre

The centre received the full amount applied for.

Trust chairman Bruno Chambers The Te Mata Park Visitor Centre moved a step closer to becoming reality this week, with news of a $500,000 grant achieved from the Department of Internal Affairs.

The department had approved money from its community facilities fund, via the Lottery Grants Board.

It would go toward the park's visitor and education centre, which was planned near the entrance gates to Te Mata Peak, near Havelock North.

The grant brings the total amount raised for the project to $2.736 million of the Te Mata Park Trust's $4 million target.

The Lottery Grants Board said the visitor centre aligned with its priorities and funding criteria. The fund was significantly over prescribed, with $23 million worth of applications for the $10 million fund.

Trust chairman Bruno Chambers said it was another milestone for the project.

"The centre received the full amount applied for by the trust, which is a significant chunk of what the board distributed. That shows that the centre is a quality and worthy project at a national level."

Sponsorship and consultancy firm, Giblin Group, made the application on the trust's behalf. Director Jenni Giblin said she was delighted the full amount requested was approved.

"We think the centre is absolutely deserving of this grant. The approval of this grant continues Giblin Group's 100 per cent success rate with applications to the Department of Internal Affairs: Lottery Grant Board."

The centre also had money committed from Hastings District Council ($1.1 million); Hawke's Bay Regional Council ($500,000); Napier City Council ($250,000) and a further $420,000 from private philanthropists and charitable trusts. The trust also had an application considered by the Eastern and Central Community Trust and a number of gaming trusts. The trust hoped to secure the remaining required funds from business and philanthropic individuals.