August Grants support 35 Local Organisations Across Otago with over $560k Boost!
11 Sep 2025
Otago Community Trust is pleased to announce 35 grants totalling $563,582 were awarded in August to support a huge range of community initiatives across the Otago region.
Conservation and Research
The Central Otago Ecological Trust has received $3,000 to support vital research into native lizard population recovery at Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary. The Trust will examine how schist gecko, McCann's skink, and southern grass skink populations have responded to predator eradication within the sanctuary's predator-proof fence, established in 2015.
"We're thrilled and grateful to receive funding from the Otago Community Trust to help with the work at Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary. The project will help our community to protect, understand and enjoy our incredible native geckos and skinks. " said Anna Yeoman, trustee, Central Otago Ecological Trust.
Festivals and Cultural Events
This funding round supported a range of festivals and events across Otago. The Port Chalmers Seafood Festival received $15,000 for their biennial celebration on October 4th, featuring 40 food stalls with a range of tasting experiences, live music and entertainment at the historic Port of Otago.
"The Port Chalmers Seafood Festival sets out to create a festival that brings families and friends together from around Otago and further afield to learn about and enjoy our local kai moana," said Jo Kidston from the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival.
Te Mana Ahua Ake Charitable Trust was granted $50,000 to support Otago Polyfest 2025, celebrating Māori and Pacific cultural heritage. This year's festival featured its largest lineup yet, with 176 performances throughout the week.
The Alexandra Blossom Festival received $6,000 for their 2025 event, one of New Zealand's longest-running community celebrations spanning over two weeks with family-friendly activities.
Other recipients included the Southern Heritage Trust ($3,000 for the Ōtepoti Dunedin Heritage Festival), Alexandra Musical Society Inc. ($5,000 for their 'We Will Rock You' production), and Otago Fish & Game Council ($2,362 for their 'Take a Kid Fishing' event).
Infrastructure and Facilities
Essential community facilities across Otago benefited from major funding including $200,000 for the Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre. The fit out of the museum and landscaping, led by the Central Otago District Council, will celebrate the rich history and heritage of Cromwell and Central Otago for future generations. $76,000 went to Dunstan Community Whare Trust for kitchen improvements and $12,000 to Catlins Historical Society Inc. for the Ōwaka Museum re-roofing project. Abbotsford School also received a $10,000 boost for their swimming pool refurbishment.
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Otago Community Trust Grants, August 2025 |
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Alexandra |
Central Otago Ecological Trust |
3,000.00 |
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Central Otago Heritage Trust |
4,500.00 |
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Alexandra Blossom Festival Inc |
6,000.00 |
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Central Otago Budgeting Services Inc |
4,000.00 |
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Central Otago District Council |
200,000.00 |
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Uruuruwhenua Health Incorporated |
20,000.00 |
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Dunstan Community Whare Trust |
76,000.00 |
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Alexandra Musical Society Inc |
5,000.00 |
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Balclutha |
NZ Rural Games Trust |
2,500.00 |
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Catlins Historical Society Inc |
12,000.00 |
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Dunedin |
Portobello School |
5,000.00 |
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East Otago Smallbore Rifle Assn |
1,200.00 |
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Southern Heritage Trust |
3,000.00 |
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Brighton Surf Life Saving Club (Dunedin) |
3,800.00 |
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Otago University Rowing Club Inc |
10,000.00 |
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Port Chalmers Seafood Festival Incorporated |
15,000.00 |
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Otago Youth Wellness Trust |
35,500.00 |
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North End Rowing Club |
38,000.00 |
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Te Mana Ahua Ake Charitable Trust |
50,000.00 |
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Abbotsford School |
10,000.00 |
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Otago Rowing Club |
4,500.00 |
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Portobello Bowling Club Incorporated |
3,000.00 |
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Milton |
Milton Coronation Hall Society Inc. |
2,600.00 |
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Mosgiel |
Taieri Age Connect |
5,520.00 |
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Ōamaru |
Ōamaru Athletic Marist Rugby Football Club |
1,100.00 |
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Otago |
The CanInspire Charitable Trust |
3,000.00 |
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OneCoast Incorporated |
4,000.00 |
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Otago Fish & Game Council |
2,362.00 |
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Otago Islanders Sport Trust |
4,000.00 |
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Volunteer South/Kaitūao o te Taitonga |
10,000.00 |
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Upper Clutha Hockey Club Inc |
1,000.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Musicians Incorporated |
5,000.00 |
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Mount Aspiring Outdoor Education Centre Trust |
3,000.00 |
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Snow Sports NZ Inc |
5,000.00 |
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Merino Muster Limited |
5,000.00 |
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