During 2006/07 we made grants totaling $464,035 to a number of community projects and initiatives. The grants went to the following groups:

Te Apiti – October 2006, February 2007

Ashhurst School Board of Trustees - $7,770

Provision of specialist surface sports gear for its new all-weather sports facility, which benefits students as well as being a real focus for the community.

The Woodville Hall Trust - $6,190.30

Assisting with the creation of an all-weather activity space adjacent to the hall. The area is used regularly as a recreational space by local Brownies and Guides and Scouts.

The Woodville Districts' Vision Incorporated - $15,000

The Swimming Pool Committee has been able to enhance Woodville's pool facility by building a toddler pool.

The Village Voice - $11,080

Helping the Ashhurst Action Group re-establish the Village Voice, the community newspaper for Ashhurst and the Pohangina Valley.

Waitaki – October 2006, February 2007, June 2007

Mackenzie-Waitaki Search and Rescue group - $10,200

Search and Rescue (SAR) will be able to purchase six new Rapid Response Kits, improving the speed and efficiency of the SAR response and building the skill base of the team.

High Country Health Ltd - $15,000

Contribution to the purchase of a motor vehicle to enable staff working for this community-based primary health care provider to attend emergencies quickly and safely.

Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade - $15,000

Contribution to a project that has already received great support. St John and New Zealand Fire Service are backing the Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade's proposal to retain their local unit, which depends on the unit purchasing a suitable First Response vehicle.

Twizel Area School Crèche - $18,000

Assistance for the Twizel Area School Crèche to upgrade their outdoor facilities and play equipment. This will ensure the crèche can grow and provide a fun, safe educational experience for all the pre-schoolers.

Otematata Residents' Association Incorporated - $50,000

The Residents' Association is helping design a fit-out for the new community hall for the benefit of residents and holidaymakers. The aim is to provide a centre that brings people together, providing a venue for school, sport and social events.

Otematata Golf Club Incorporated - $23,500

Assisting the club install a major automated irrigation system, helping it become a quality golfing venue for its growing number of local members and visitors.

Kurow Sub-branch of Plunket - $6,000

Helping volunteer mums complete 'stage one' of their renovation plans for the Plunket rooms. The renovations will provide a more positive, social environment for the children and a hygienic environment for the Plunket nurse to visit.

Omarama Golf Club - $13,500

Helping the club replace two of its major pieces of mowing equipment. The club wants to promote the use of its facilities for all the community.

Kurow Rugby Squash Club Incorporated - $1,650

Enabling the club to upgrade the balustrade above the courts to foster a safe, user-friendly environment. The club is trying to make the environment more pleasant for its members and safe for young visitors to the courts.

St John Twizel/Mt Cook Area Committee - $20,000

Contribution towards the ambulance bay extension and upgrade. The new-look housing and storage facilities enhance the service St John provides to the community.

Upper Waitaki Community Trust Incorporated - $67,000

Assisting with the development of a recreational and ecological reserve on Kurow Island, located between the historic bridges of Kurow.

Twizel Area School Crèche - $2,045

Enabling the Crèche to purchase a booking system, computer and printer to streamline the management of the crèche.

Twizel Free Kindergarten - $20,000

Helping the Kindergarten put shade sails over the sandpit, swing and play areas to provide shade and protection for the children when playing outdoors.

Twizel Pyramid Run and Gut Buster Mountain Bike Race - $10,500

Supporting operational costs for these two community and family focused sporting events.

Lake Tekapo School - $3,299

Enabling the school to establish sun-shades over a seating area in the school's garden project where children work with the community to learn about better environmental practices.

Otematata Community Library Committee -$4,000

The library has been able to provide additional display areas to enhance the library and encourage library use for recreational reading, study and learning.

St John Twizel/Mt Cook Area Committee - $4,865.95

St John was able to employ a full-time officer during peak season to ensure essential and timely emergency response.

Kurow Netball Club - $2,330

The netball club was able to purchase new uniforms.

Otematata Residents' Association Incorporated - $11,000

A new floatable raft enhances the local swimming area at Loch Laird.

Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade - $20,000

Helping the brigade with a new building to house the brigade's specialised equipment.

Waitaki Valley Medical Trust - $6,300

The Medical Centre Trust purchased a tympanogram to enhance the provision of ear checks for children in the valley.

Twizel Area School - $30,000

The purchase of a van helps the Twizel Area School students and staff to interact with their community and environment.

Mackenzie Summer Salmon and Wine Festival - $1,166

Assistance with chef Adam Newell's attendance to entertain at the 2007 festival.

Manapouri Te Anau – March 2007

Te Anau Youth Worker Trust - $17,420

Funding to support its part-time youth worker, who develops educational activities and supports 10-18-year-olds in the Fiordland community.

The Key Playcentre - $3,826.25

Funding to support its upgrade of the playground's skill-based area, increasing learning opportunities through play.

Pomona Island Charitable Trust - $22,500

Funding for the Trust's 'Friends of Pomona Scheme', which will encourage locals and visitors to get involved with the restoration of Pomona Island.

Te Anau Community Toy Library - $2,513

Funding to upgrade the toys for 2007 and to provide access to high quality educational toys and activities.

Te Anau Plunket - $3,000

Support for new playground facilities to further develop opportunities for social and recreational activities.

Fiordland Kindergarten - $7,379

Funding to encourage participation in the Early Childhood Information and Communication Technology Professional Learning Programme which aims to increase the innovative use of information and communication technologies in early childhood education.

The Fiordland College Board of Trustees - $12,000

Funding to purchase and install an electronic whiteboard to enable online internet access, electronic access to shared lessons, student participation and advanced computer and data projector presentations.