NZCT approved grant creates big sporting boost for Waitara High School

Waitara High School students playing netball.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) approved a grant of $11,740 to Waitara High School in Taranaki back in February.

The grant has helped resource several items, including netball uniforms, sports balls and a carrier for various codes, travel costs, accommodation and venue hire.

Waitara High School has a small roll of 330 students, which it draws from the Waitara township and the surrounding towns and rural areas of North Taranaki. The NZCT grant is a big boost for the school and a significant investment in the health, wellbeing and sporting goals of its students.

Netball, volleyball, rugby and basketball are popular sports among students at Waitara. The grant has helped fund new branded netball uniforms, as well as match-day balls for all four codes.

The grant also enabled students to take part in the Volleyball Nationals that were held in Palmerston North in March, as well as funding transport and venue hire for the school athletics day in February.

This was held at Taranaki Community Stadium in Inglewood and acted as student selection for the Taranaki Regional Championship and, ultimately, North Island Championship events.

It is the only stadium in the region offering the high-quality track and field facilities required for students to be able to progress to regional and national sports selection.

"NZCT is passionate about helping get people into sport, particularly our youth. We provide funding to numerous schools throughout New Zealand that enables students of all ages and abilities to participate and compete in sports," says NZCT communications manager Tanya Piejus.

"This grant to Waitara High School will provide health and wellbeing benefits to students and the wider community."