Media Release for immediate use 26 August 2008

Waitaki Community Groups Benefit To The Tune Of $100,000

The Waitaki community has benefited with almost $100,000 of support thanks to the latest round of funding from the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund.

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

The organisations to receive funding are Kurow JAB Rugby, Mackenzie Alpine Trust, Omarama School Board of Trustees, Ben Ohau Golf Club, Aoraki Mount Cook School Board of Trustees, Radio Twizel, Twizel Climbing Wall, Waitaki Women’s Wellness, Twizel Volunteer Fire Brigade and Tekapo Volunteer Fire Brigade, Waitaki Mackenzie Merino Shears and the Twizel Area School Netball Club.

The Omarama School Board of Trustees received one of the larger contributions to help install a solar heating system for the school pool.

Erica McCambridge, Omarama School Board of Trustees member, says the upgrade to the pool will benefit the whole community.

“We are delighted to receive funding for a new pool heating system from the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund. At present, the pool is not heated at all so the opportunity for the kids to swim is quite narrow. By installing the new solar heating system the pool will be able to be used for longer, and by more people,” she says.

Erica McCambridge says the cost efficiency of solar heating will also be beneficial to the school.

“The solar heating system will make good use of the high sunshine hours we get in Omarama, and by using natural energy, we will save money in the long run than if we used alternative heating systems,” she says.

Mark France, Meridian Strategic Relations Adviser and Chair of the Waitaki Community Fund, says the panel is pleased to be able to support so many worthy initiatives that will make a difference to the Waitaki community.

“The solar heating system at Omarama School is a particularly good one. The community has indicated that it wants the Fund to support initiatives that foster the development of opportunities for sporting, social and recreational activities. By installing an effective and sustainable heating source the community will have access to an enhanced recreational facility, encouraging more people to use it,” he added.

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

To find out more about the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund visit http://www.meridian.co.nz/AboutUs/

Applications for consideration in the next round must be submitted by 30 September 2008.

Latest Meridian Waitaki Community Fund recipients

Kurow JAB Rugby ($2,000)
Funding granted for purchase of equipment to support the development of the Kurow JAB rugby teams.

Mackenzie Alpine Trust ($2,052.55)
Funding granted to contribute towards the purchase of a solar panel and mountain radio batteries for the Macaulay hut.

Omarama School Board of Trustees ($15,000)
Funding granted to go towards the cost of installing a solar heating system in the school pool.

Ben Ohau Golf Club ($10,000)
Funding granted to go towards the refurbishment of the Ben Ohau Golf Club clubhouse.

Aoraki Mount Cook School Board of Trustees ($18,000)
Funding granted to go towards the school’s outdoor learning and play area extension plan.

Radio Twizel ($3,000)
Funding granted to go towards the purchase of outside broadcasting equipment.

Twizel Climbing Wall ($20,000)
Funding granted to go towards a new competition climbing wall in the Twizel Events Centre.

Waitaki Women’s Wellness ($3,800)
Funding granted to enable Waitaki Women’s Wellness workshops to take place.

Twizel Volunteer Fire Brigade and Tekapo Volunteer Fire Brigade ($20,000)
Funding granted to go towards the purchase of two emergency back-up generators at the Twizel Volunteer, and Tekapo Volunteer Fire Brigades.

Waitaki Mackenzie Merino Shears ($5,000)
Funding granted to contribute towards the operational costs of the Waitaki Mackenzie Merino Shears event.

Twizel Area School Netball Club ($960)
Funding granted to go towards new uniforms for the Twizel Area School Club.

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