At the October business meeting, the Great Barrier Local Board allocated $198,419.89 in ratepayer-funded grants to several projects and initiatives. Applications for funding totalled more than $300,000.
Here’s how the grants were distributed:
- Great Barrier Island Health Trust: Awarded $2,785.41 for its annual garden tour fundraiser, slightly under the $3,060.73 requested.
- Aotea Family Support Group: Received full funding of $5,850 for its diving competition and $35,000 for a van purchase, against a $50,000 request.
- Great Barrier Island Environmental Trust: Granted the entire $25,000 requested for an environmental coordinator role.
- Mulberry Grove School: Received $6,886.95 for a netball event and $5,375 for a basketball/netball hoop, both amounts below their requests.
- North Barrier Residents and Ratepayers Association: Got $6,148.34 for administrative wages and the full $50,000 for an engineering review of Port Fitzroy Wharf.
- Dark Sky Enthusiasts Group: Fully funded with $550 for a meteor observation station.
- Great Barrier Island Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade: Granted $3,000 for water tank fittings.
Capital grants included:
Glenfern Sanctuary Trust: Granted $15,000 for the installation of solar power, less than the $25,324 sought.
St John Community Church: Allocated $7,500 for church painting, half the $15,000 requested.
Aotea Education Ltd: Awarded $8,479.34 for a basketball hoop setup, below the $11,000 sought.
Kawa PT 3 Maori RS. (Ngatiwai O Aotea Kawa Marae): Received $6,843.85 towards plumbing, gas ovens, and building materials at Kawa Marae, less than the $32,681 requested.
Motu Community Nursery Ltd: Funded with $20,000 towards the construction of a native plant nursery, under the $24,025.52 asked.
