19 November 2013

Horizons community grants funding to be spread amongst 15 groups

Fifteen community groups from throughout the Region are to receive grants funding for their projects under Horizons Regional Council’s community grants programme.

This is the largest number of groups to receive funding in one round since the programme was set up at the beginning of 2012.

The programme was established to support community groups, schools, early childhood centres and iwi/hapu groups, with projects that enhance the region and encourage more people to engage with the natural environment. $20,000 was up for grabs, with the council receiving requests totaling over $200,000.

“The number and calibre of applications this year have increased considerably since 2012 which made it difficult for our grants committee to finalise the successful recipients,” said acting media and communications manager, Kate Ritani.

“We have selected a variety of projects ranging from an education initiative, to track works, pest control and poplar tree removal from all across our region,”

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon has also been impressed with the number of interesting and innovative projects that have been successful this year.

“These projects help to protect and enhance our environment and by providing assistance we can work together to achieve on a greater scale and make the most of what our Region has to offer,” he said.

The successful applicants in this round were:
• Bushy Park Education Trust (Wanganui) - Bushy Park education Initiative
• Aramoho Play Centre (Wanganui) – Nature area
• Progress Castlecliff (Wanganui) – Coast care
• Bushy Park Trust (Wanganui) – Wetland track and boardwalk
• Monrad Intermediate School (Manawatu) – Science and technology vegetable gardens
• Mount Biggs School (Manawatu) – Provide native wilderness area/outdoor classroom
• Ashhurst Play Centre (Manawatu) – Natural play space
• Manawatu Mountain Bike Club Inc. (Rangitikei/Tararua/Manawatu) – Create a network of trails in Arapuke Forest Park
• Rangiwahia Environmental Arts Centre Trust (Manawatu) – React Taniwha planting
• Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust (Ruapehu) – Makotuku track extension
• Whanganui Conservation & Historic Preservation Trust (Ruapehu) – Conservation park on site owned by Raetihi Primary School
• Owhango Alive (Ruapehu) – Owhango Alive pest control on the Whakapapa river
• Friends of Mount Stewart (FOMS) (Rangitikei) – Replanting of reserve destroyed by fire
• Hunterville Lions Club Inc. (Rangitikei) – Queens Park removal of poplar trees
• First Years Preschool Inc. (Tararua) – Upgrade of wilderness area

Applications for the next round of funding will open in 2014.

For further information on community grants please visit www.horizons.govt.nz or phone Horizons on 0508 800 800.

ENDS

© Scoop Media