Trust Tairāwhiti distributes 157K in grants for first funding round of the year

Students participating in the Comet Swim for Life programme at Elgin School. Swim for Life Tairāwhiti will receive $30,000 to deliver swimming lessons. Photo / Strike Photography

More than $157,000 in funding will support five organisations delivering projects to enhance community wellbeing across the region.

It comes from Trust Tairāwhiti’s first funding allocation of the year.

Trust Tairāwhiti said in a statement that the projects focused on protecting the region’s cultural heritage and water safety, promoting economic leadership, and providing inclusive, accessible community facilities.

Tairāwhiti Museum was the largest recipient, receiving $75,000 for urgent roof repairs to the Taonga Māori store and the Concourse Gallery.

“The work will help protect taonga and safeguard the spaces central to preserving the region’s rich heritage,” the trust said.

Swim for Life Tairāwhiti will receive $30,000 to deliver swimming lessons to more than 3300 students across 47 schools in Tairāwhiti and the East Coast.

“The programme builds essential water skills and confidence, helping tamariki stay safe while enjoying the many water-based activities part of everyday life in the region.”

Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa will also receive $30,000 to support a Local Economy for Public Good conference in Tairāwhiti.

“The conference will highlight Māori-led and local economic leadership and promote wellbeing-centred approaches aligned with He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora.”

Other community funding recipients this month include Hatea-a-Rangi School, which recieved $11,500 towards the development of a multi-sports astro turf for the Tokomaru Bay community.

Gisborne Riding for the Disabled recieved $10,000 towards buying a utility terrain vehicle for use across the region.