Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
RWNZ national president Gill Naylor says the two funds are designed to assist initiatives for rural communities that support children, the elderly, community, conservation, counselling, and education.
The first fund, the Scotlands Te Kiteroa Charitable Trust, was established by RWNZ in 1982 and provides grants of up to $1500.
This year’s recipients are:
- Cambridge Community House Trust, receiving $1,000 for funding to support training and qualifications for a support worker.
- Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust, receiving $1,500 to support those who leave Gloriavale as they adjust to life ‘outside’.
- Graeme Dingle Foundation – Marlborough (Kiwi Can), receiving $1,500 to help young people thrive and create a strong community.
- Graeme Dingle Foundation – South (Kiwi Can), receiving $1,5000 to help cover airfares to deliver the programme in Stewart Island.
- Kahu Youth Wanaka, receiving $1,500 to provide valuable activities for youth, the grant is specific to Taika Adventure Club.
- Puna Rangitahi (Alexandra and Districts Youth Club), receives $1,300 for its Dice Breakers programme.
- Putere School – Hawke’s Bay, receives $1,500 to go towards a playground upgrade for the small rural school.
- Rites of Passage Foundation (Motueka), receives $1,500 for its Tides programme which is offered to mothers and daughters and the Tracks programme which is offered to fathers and sons. The grant is to cover one ‘pair’ in each programme.
- Te Ataarangi (Motueka) receives $1,500 to provide Te Reo immersion teaching across the region.
Meanwhile, the Cynthia Collier Grant has been awarded to The Friends of Taihape who look after native reserves within Taihape’s Hautapu River Park.
The reserves are of high ecological value and contain mature Kahikatea, Totara and Matai, some of which are more than 500 years old.
The grant was provided by the family of the late Cynthia Collier, who lived on Wakarua Station near Taihape and was a “passionate” member of RWNZ, Naylor says.
“RWNZ’s extensive range of funds and grants is one way in which our organisation provides assistance to rural women and communities in everything from advancing their education to accessing healthcare and support after adverse natural events,” she says.
“I congratulate all of our grant recipients and wish them every success in progressing their projects and initiatives,” she concludes.
