Building Stronger Communities: September Grants Back Arts, Youth, and Essential Services
8 Oct 2025
From building leadership skills on bike trails in Central Otago to historic gallery spaces coming to life in Ōamaru, September's funding round is fuelling ambitious community projects across the region. Thirty-one organisations have received grants totalling $477,110, backing everything from mobile disability services reaching rural communities to thousands of athletes preparing to descend on Ōtepoti for the New Zealand Masters Games.
Capital Investment in Arts Infrastructure
$51,700 has gone to support the Friends of the Forrester Gallery Society Inc for the Stage 2 fitout of the Forrester Gallery in Ōamaru. The gallery, operating since 1983 in an 1884 historic building, is undergoing an extension to address the practical challenges of running a modern art gallery in a heritage structure.
Heather Machin, Chair of the Friends of the Forrester Gallery, said “Art galleries are not just great big walls and a roof, there's much more that goes on inside to make a workplace and to ultimately enhance the visitor experience.”
The new spaces, opening to the community in late April or early May 2026, will include a public lift, purpose-built collection storage, loading dock, and new exhibition and education spaces. ”'Fitout' is an all-encompassing term, involving many more elements than just seats and lights, and the care taken with every part of the Forrester Gallery Extension will be reflected in the finished project. The Friends are both grateful and excited for the interest and support from the community” said Heather.
National Masters Games Returns to Ōtepoti
The largest grant of $90,000 supports the Dunedin (NZ) Masters Games Trust for the 2026 Games, to be held January 31 – February 8, 2026. This 37th edition of the country's biggest multisport festival is expected to attract over 5,000 participants across more than 60 sports.
Masters Games Manager Vicki Kestila says “We’re excited to work with Otago Community Trust again for the 2026 New Zealand Masters Games, their continued partnership and support has allowed us to deliver this event to thousands of participants. With over 60 sports on offer this year – we are looking forward to hosting another great games!”
Supporting Youth and Families
Several grants focussed on supporting young people and families. Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka Incorporated received $8,000 for their comprehensive 2026 program, which includes youth mental health first aid courses for caregivers, parent coaching programs, and community education on alcohol-related risks.
Music4Us Puoro Mō Taatou Music Education Trust was granted $4,000 to continue their tamariki music programme. Since April 2022, the programme has maintained high retention rates among its 15 enrolled tamariki, using music to enhance learning skills and healthy development.
Journeys Charitable Trust received $14,000 for their outdoor adventure programmes for young women aged 11-24 in Central Otago. Led by volunteer instructors, they focus on building confidence and leadership skills in outdoor environments.
Disability and Health Services
Livingwell Disability Resource Centre received $25,000 to support their Mobile Service, which has been providing essential support across the greater Otago region for seven years. The service delivers free access to disability information, advice, assistive technology, and equipment to communities throughout Otago.
Central Otago Group Riding for the Disabled Association was granted $16,000 to continue their programme in Alexandra, currently serving 26 enrolled riders through equine-based therapy and education.
Community Celebrations, Events, and Performances
Several grants support cultural celebrations and community events, including $8,000 for the Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations (November 13-16, 2025), $7,350 for Dunedin Indian Association's year-long festival program including Diwali and Holi celebrations, and $5,000 for Dunedin Philippine Club's end-of-year community events.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet received $14,000 to bring two productions to Dunedin audiences: The Nutcracker in November 2025 and Macbeth in March 2026. Both productions will include community engagement opportunities, with The Nutcracker featuring seven local children in the cast.
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Otago Community Trust Grants, September 2025 |
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Alexandra |
Journeys Charitable Trust |
14,000.00 |
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Central Otago Group Riding for the Disabled Association |
16,000.00 |
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Balclutha |
South Otago Athletic Club |
6,000.00 |
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Cromwell |
The Bannockburn Community Centre Inc |
8,000.00 |
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Dunedin |
Music4Us Puoro Mō Taatou Music Education Trust |
4,000.00 |
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Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Araiteuru Inc (KUMA) |
5,000.00 |
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Dunedin Indian Association |
7,350.00 |
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Dunedin (NZ) Masters Games Trust |
90,000.00 |
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Dunedin Philippine Club Inc |
5,000.00 |
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Big Rock Primary School |
8,560.00 |
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Greater Green Island Community Network Charitable Trust |
10,000.00 |
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Warrington Primary School |
10,000.00 |
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Otago Accommodation Trust |
10,000.00 |
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Milton |
Mount Zion Church |
4,500.00 |
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Toko Rugby Football Club Incorporated |
50,000.00 |
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Mosgiel |
Rotary Club of Taieri Charitable Trust |
33,600.00 |
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Ōamaru |
Ōamaru Chorale |
700.00 |
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Ōamaru Combined Churches Christmas Parcels Trust |
2,000.00 |
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Friends of the Forrester Gallery Society Inc |
51,700.00 |
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Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations |
8,000.00 |
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North Otago Cricket Assn Inc |
10,000.00 |
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Otago |
Royal New Zealand Ballet |
14,000.00 |
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Institute of Directors in New Zealand Inc |
7,600.00 |
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Southern Filmmakers Collective |
1,000.00 |
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Disability Information Service Inc T/A Livingwell Disability Resource Centre |
25,000.00 |
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Clyde Playcentre |
7,000.00 |
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Other |
Rekindle Charitable Trust |
1,500.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Preschool Early Childhood Centre |
50,000.00 |
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Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka Incorporated |
8,000.00 |
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Wānaka Snowsports Club |
5,600.00 |
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Wānaka Arts Society |
3,000.00 |
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