$1.15 million has been granted to six significant projects across the south by Community Trust South's (CTS).

Community Trust South Chair, Mata Cherrington said “These are some significant projects throughout the Trust’s region, and amazing mahi is being undertaken within the community. Each one of these projects align with Community Trust South’s strategy to see communities thrive and we are delighted to be able to support these projects with this major grants round.”

The allocation represents the first major grant round CTS has had since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Successful projects were:

Waihopai Runaka Incorporated

$300,000 for their Murihiku Marae Redevelopment project which will ensure they can continue to provide cultural support, social services programmes and be the turakawaewae (standing place) for their whanau. As kaitiakitaka in their rohe the buildings and infrastructure will be triple net zero - zero energy, zero carbon, and zero water using environmentally sustainable design.

The Southland Charitable Hospital Trust

$200,000 to go towards the new Southland Charity Hospital, an inspiring project founded by Blair and Melissa Vining which has received overwhelming support from the Murihiku Southland community.  

The Bluff Community Pool Trust

$150,000 to go towards upgrading the pool. As the only swimming pool in Bluff this project benefits the entire community, with the town being surrounded by sea having access to lessons and a safe swimming environment is important.  

Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust

$200,000 to update the hostel facilities at the much-loved Deep Cove Camp. This camp has become a rite of passage for Murihiku Southland school children and creates lifelong memories while also getting to experience one of the most amazing parts of New Zealand.

The Salvation Army New Zealand Trust

$150,000 to assist with the relocation of their Salvation Army Community and Social Wellbeing Hub from Queenstown CBD to Frankton. As the greater Wakatipu region has grown significantly in recent years, the new location will make the Hub much more accessible for the entire community.

Southland disAbility Enterprises Ltd

$150,000 which will go towards their long-term plans for the current recycling plant.

Major grants are for applications over $75,000, which have significant community projects and services.

The annual decision whether to conduct a major grant round is subject to the trust's investment returns, capital rebuild and our annual grants budget.

The last major grants round was in December 2019.