Funding for outdoor pursuits centre

Funding for outdoor pursuits centre

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre’s new marine centre at Karaka Bay, Great Barrier Island, has secured funding to develop the new centre on Great Barrier Island.

“Grants from the ASB Trusts, worth almost a million dollars, will allow the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre to help young New Zealanders to develop their potential and experience adventure in one of New Zealand’s most diverse marine environments”, says OPC CEO Grant Davidson.

The ASB Trusts say OPC’s ambitions match its objectives on a number of levels.

“While OPC has developed and increased the range of programmes that it offers, founder Graeme Dingle’s original vision and the philosophy behind the programmes has changed little – developing people’s potential through challenging outdoor adventures, environmental awareness, fun and support,” says ASB Trusts CEO Jennifer Gill.

The community projects funder makes grants of more than $50 million a year throughout Auckland and Northland and a major part of its focus is on sport, recreation and education.

“We are interested in funding projects or organisations that will help us achieve our mission - enhancing the lives of people in the communities of Auckland and Northland,” Ms Gill says. “The marine outdoor education centre on Great Barrier helps us meet that objective.”

While the centre was officially opening in March, by Prime Minister Helen Clark, Sir Edmund Hillary and Barbara Kendall, OPC has been seeking funds for development of the centre and to expand the youth programme.

The project gained a $710,000 grant from the ASB Trusts, while the Orama Christian Fellowship Trust, which is leasing facilities to OPC to run the marine outdoor pursuits centre, was granted $285,192 by the Trust to help with its operational costs until OPC has set up its courses.

The outdoor pursuits centre will allow up to 1500 young people a year to join courses where OPC instructors will guide them through adventures including sea kayaking, sailing, expeditions and coastal rock climbing.

“People taking up the challenge of adventure suddenly find the world is full of opportunities”, says Mr Davidson. “Previously perceived barriers are no longer an obstacle to participation and achievement. This sharing of fun and success is the OPC experience”.

Founded on the sale of its shares in the ASB bank, the ASB Trusts have granted more than $500m to Auckland and Northland community groups since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation. For more details about applying, visit the ASB Trusts’ website: www.asbtrusts.org.nz

ENDS

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