Media Release For immediate use 9 May 2008

Nine Groups Share $117,645 In The Latest Round Of Meridian Community Funding

The Waitaki community has benefited with $117,645 of support thanks to the latest round of funding from the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund.

In its first round of funding for 2008, the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund advisory panel chose nine community led initiatives to receive funding.

The projects to receive funding are CCS Disability Action Waitaki, North Otago Budget Advisory Service, Upper Waitaki Community Trust, MacKenzie Golf Club, Otematata Community Gym, Omarama and Districts Co-Response Trust, Lake Tekapo Ice Skating Club, Twizel Area School and Ohau Conservation Trust.

The Upper Waitaki Community Trust received one of the larger contributions to help upgrade the heating system in the Kurow Community Hall and Gym.

Ethel Gray, Chairperson of the Upper Waitaki Community Trust, says the upgrade to the gym will benefit the whole community.

“The current heating system in the gym and hall relies on an old coal burner. This is neither a cost efficient or sustainable option. The facility is popular among the local community and we are determined to ensure it stays this way,” says Ethel Gray.

The facility was previously owned and maintained by the Waitaki Valley School but the school is now being re-built on a smaller scale due to a declining roll.

“The Trust was approached to take over the management of the hall and gym to ensure it remained operational. We will be offering it to the school to use five days a week so they will still have a facility at their disposal,” she says.

“We are delighted with the contribution that the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund has made to our community. We plan to get a new and efficient heating system in place before the winter chill sets in,” she added.

Vicky Munro, one of the local Waitaki community fund panel members, says the initiative was a natural fit for the community fund.

“The community has indicated that it’s keen for the fund to support initiatives that foster the development of opportunities for sporting, social and recreational activities. The refurbishment of the gym will achieve this by offering an enhanced recreational facility that will be available to the whole community,” she says.

“It is important that this vital community asset is maintained to a standard that will encourage people to use it. Ensuring there is an effective and sustainable heating source in place will help achieve this,” she added.

A number of groups make use of the community hall and gym, including the local school, squash players, netball teams and musical groups.

The Meridian Waitaki Community Fund is to the value of $1million over three years, and is managed by a panel of community members and Meridian Energy staff who work in partnership to help decide which local initiatives are supported.

Those who would like to find out more about the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund can visit http://www.meridian.co.nz/AboutUs/ , email community.fund@meridianenergy.co.nz or call 03 357 9732.

Applications for consideration in the next round must be submitted by 3 June 2008.

Latest Meridian Waitaki Community Fund recipients

CCS Disability Action Waitaki ($170)

The funding will contribute to Disability Awareness Education Team

workshops in the Waitaki Valley.

North Otago Budget Advisory Service ($825)

This support will go towards the operation of the Upper Waitaki/Twizel advisory service, including telephone charges and advisors’ fees.

Upper Waitaki Community Trust Inc ($25,000)

An appropriate heating source will be installed to ensure ongoing and sustainable usage of the Kurow Community Hall and Gymnasium.

MacKenzie Golf Club Inc ($20,000)

The Club will be able to purchase a tractor to assist with course maintenance.

Otematata Community Gym ($28,000)

Refurbishment of the Otematata Gymnasium will be undertaken.

Omarama and Districts Co-Response Trust ($27,000)

A defibrillator will be purchased to assist the Co-response Trust provide a first

response medical emergency service.

Lake Tekapo Ice Skating Club ($1,650)

The funding will be used to support the provision of coaching.

Twizel Area School ($5,000)

This support will contribute to the upgrade of the entrance to the community and Twizel

Area School Library.

Ohau Conservation Trust ($10,000)

The Trust will be able to commence phase one of the Lake Ohau Shoreline Weed

Eradication project.

ends

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