Wetland restoration & native plantings among $748,824 in September community grants
12 Oct 2026
From willow control in a Waitaki wetland to a new BMX track surface in Kaitangata, 34 Otago groups are sharing $748,824 in Otago Community Trust's September funding round.
Environment
In the Waitaki Valley, the Kurow Wetland restoration project (Waitaki Valley Community Society Inc) has received $4,000 to continue the mechanical removal of willow, barberry and other woody weeds from the 5.4-hectare wetland. The community has already spent years weeding, planting, and caring for native plantings. Around 0.9 hectares of woody weeds were cleared in 2025; this funding will help complete a further 0.6 hectares. The wetland's walking track is popular with local families, offering a flat, accessible route to enjoy nature.
Karen Turner, Kurow Wetland Lead said “This grant goes towards helping with the next stage of ecological restoration at Kurow Wetland… The proposed willow/weed removal will enable us to plant natives and improve the natural flow of the waterway.”
On the Otago Peninsula, Save The Otago Peninsula Society (STOP) has received $30,000 for native plant revegetation. STOP works across multiple sites on the Peninsula to protect and enhance habitat for native birds, reptiles, invertebrates and freshwater life, alongside pest control, education and partnerships with three Peninsula Enviro-schools. This funding will support planting a further 1,000 eco-sourced native trees within an area fenced in 2022, improving water quality, reducing erosion and shading steep slopes. Planting will also continue along the Future Forest Walk Loop, a route well used by dog walkers, families and visitors to Dunedin.
Kaitangata Shines this month
A fire brigade restoring vintage engines, a school renewing kapa haka uniforms, and a BMX club chasing a national qualifying meet – Kaitangata in the south is having a big month, with three grants from the Trust’s September round landing in the town.
The Kaitangata Volunteer Fire Brigade has received $15,000 towards a shed to house its restored 1960s Commer and 1980s International fire appliances, both of which served the town in earlier decades. As well as protecting these vehicles, the shed will double as a display space for Fire Service memorabilia and a venue for community events and open days.
Kaitangata Primary School has received $2,888 to renew its kapa haka uniforms. The current uniforms are worn and coming apart at the seams; the new set of 65 will include the school's logo.
Kaitangata Black Gold BMX Club has received $10,000 to asphalt the berms and corners of its track. The Club completed a major track upgrade in January, investing more than $11,000, and has since been approved to host a National Qualifying Meet in February 2027. Asphalting the corners will improve rider safety, cut weather-related maintenance and make the track more attractive to riders from across the region.
Kirsty Nicol, President of the club said "This grant will help us improve our BMX track, providing a safer and more enjoyable space for local families and riders of all abilities. It will also help us attract more visitors to Kaitangata, grow our club and create more opportunities for our community to come together."
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Otago Community Trust Grants, September 2026 |
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Alexandra |
Dunstan High School |
$150,000.00 |
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Balclutha |
Kaitangata Volunteer Fire Brigade |
$15,000.00 |
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Kaitangata Primary School |
$2,888.00 |
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Kaitangata Black Gold BMX Club |
$10,000.00 |
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Cromwell |
Cromwell Primary School |
$14,500.00 |
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Dunedin |
Save the Otago Peninsula (STOP) Society Inc |
$30,000.00 |
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Otago Youth Wellness Trust |
$3,000.00 |
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St Pauls Cathedral |
$100,000.00 |
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Dunedin Group Riding for the Disabled Assn Inc |
$25,000.00 |
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Dunedin Santa Parade Trust |
$15,000.00 |
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Historic Iona Church Restoration Trust |
$28,647.00 |
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Moana House - Downie Stewart Foundation |
$30,000.00 |
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St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church (Diocese of Dunedin) |
$30,000.00 |
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Saddle View Scout Group |
$20,500.00 |
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Dunedin Indian Association Incorporated |
$7,350.00 |
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Dunedin Edinburgh Sister City Society Inc |
$4,000.00 |
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Waikouaiti School |
$2,300.00 |
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Dunedin Aphasia Support Group |
$1,000.00 |
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Milton |
Mount Zion Church |
$8,000.00 |
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Mosgiel |
Taieri Historical Society Inc |
$15,000.00 |
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Otago |
Middlemarch Swimming Club Soc Inc |
$27,233.00 |
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Tangata Whenua Community and Voluntary Sector Research Centre Inc |
$8,000.00 |
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He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust |
$3,500.00 |
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Disability Information Service Inc T/A Livingwell Disability Resource Centre |
$30,000.00 |
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Royal New Zealand Ballet |
$7,000.00 |
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Waitaki Valley Community Society Inc |
$4,000.00 |
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The Ahipoutu collective charitable trust |
$5,000.00 |
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South Star School Charitable Trust |
$60,000.00 |
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Blueskin Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc |
$15,000.00 |
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Other |
CCS Disability Action Services Ltd |
$30,000.00 |
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Clinton-Clydevale Ward Community Resilience Group Inc |
$36,886.00 |
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Naseby Bowling Club |
$2,000.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Rowing Club Inc |
$5,520.00 |
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Wānaka Arts Society |
$2,500.00 |
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