Wellington Dance Company Wins $1,000 Community Spirit Award

Media Release 7 February 2012

Wellington Dance Company Wins $1,000 Community Spirit Award

February 2012: The Company dances its way one step closer to a new studio, thanks to Community Spirit Award

Governed by Springboard Arts Charitable Trust and run by volunteers who love dance, The Company NZ in Wellington is helping make dreams come true through dance, for many of Wellington’s youth. And their efforts have not been in vain, with their dance teams winning numerous national competitions and representing New Zealand at international competitions over the past two years they have been operating.

Now the passion and drive of the team behind The Company NZ has been recognised with an Instant Finance Community Spirit Award. Along with the Award, comes $1,000 in prize money which will help cover the set up costs of a new studio.

Hundreds of community organisations, individuals and projects from around the country were nominated through Instant Finance branches in November and December 2011. These were then whittled down to a final list of 12 highly deserving organisations, which each won a $1,000 Instant Finance Community Spirit Award.

Studio Manager of The Company NZ, June Peilua, commented: “We feel very honoured and humbled to have received this Award, especially as the nominations are from people in our community. The prize money will allow us to continue providing a community hub for Wellington’s youth and teaching them life skills through dance, such as team work, commitment and communication.

“We are currently setting up a new studio which will help us grow our offer for the community. The prize money is a much appreciated bonus which will help us cover the costs of the new studio.”

Instant Finance has been running its successful Community Spirit programme for over seven years, with more than 100 organisations and community projects around the country benefiting from the $1,000 grants during this time.

Potential beneficiaries could be nominated by anyone through the entry boxes at local Instant Finance branches, and historically, have included assistance for local sports clubs, community projects, the arts, church led projects, individual grant requests and charities.

Award Presentation

Instant Finance will be presenting The Company NZ with their Community Spirit Award and cheque on Saturday 11 February 2012. We would like to invite you along to this event and to meet the deserving team. Page 2 of 2

Notes:

This year, 12 organisations and initiatives will benefit from the Community Spirit programme, including:

• North Able, Whangarei

• Elim Soup Kitchen, Manurewa

• Linwood Rugby Club, Christchurch

• Kiwi Super Tots, Onehunga

• Massey Athletics Club, Henderson

• The Company NZ, Kilbirnie

• Cot Death, Rotorua

• Carlson School, New Lynn

• Papakura Toy Library, Takanini

• Hutt Valley Special Olympics, Wellington

• Omahu Huia Rugby League Club, Hastings

• Christchurch City Cadet Unit, Christchurch