MEDIA RELEASE

24 October 2002

Spirit of Adventure Trust to receive $100,000 grant

Auckland City has approved a grant of $100,000 to the Spirit of Adventure Trust. The unbudgeted grant will be used by the Trust to establish permanent office accommodation adjoining the Maritime Museum.

The estimated cost of construction of the resource consented offices, including modification to the existing Maritime Museum building, is $270,000. The Trust does not have the necessary capital for investment into offices and the ASB Trust, Maritime Museum and Spirit of Adventure Trust have indicated their willingness to fund the remaining $170,000.

Mayor John Banks says the Spirit of Adventure Trust is an integral part of Auckland and has played an important role in the development of our nation’s youth. 45,000 teenagers have benefited from the Trust’s work since it was established in 1973 - and that figure increases by 1500 young New Zealanders every year.

“The Trust is invaluable to the city of Auckland and New Zealand and it is right we recognise this contribution. This gift says Princes’ Wharf is the rightful home of the Trust and there has been much uncertainty in recent times as to their permanent base. The council’s grant also acknowledges the real focus of the Trust – youth development.”

“The Spirit of New Zealand vessel is a regular and welcome backdrop to our Maritime Museum and a magnificent addition to our waterfront. Council had an obligation to support this proposal and in so doing, support the Trust, its numerous volunteers and, of course, the youth of New Zealand.”

Construction of the Trust’s accommodation is expected to commence after the America’s Cup in approximately March of next year.

Ends

© Scoop Media