Diwali festival big winner from CLT grants
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has backed 18 projects across the region with grants totalling almost $1.3 million in its latest funding round.
The grants, approved at CLT's September meeting, support diverse initiatives, including cultural celebrations, new gymnastics equipment, a water bore for a community garden, and an emergency trailer for local use.
Among the successful recipients is Queenstown Diwali 2024, organised by Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown, which has been awarded $18,000. This annual local Diwali festival, now in its seventh year, will take place on 9 November at the Queenstown Events Centre, with an expected 2,000 attendees.
"Diwali is a time of celebration and joy for the entire community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of colour, music, dance, and delicious food, experiencing the richness of Indian culture,” Mangal Behal president of Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown says.
"Our event is open to all, with no entry fee, making it accessible for everyone to participate, connect, and share in the festivities.”
The Queenstown Fijian Community Charitable Trust (QFCCT) has been awarded $4,500 towards its Fiji Day Multicultural Day celebrations. The week-long programme, running this week from 7 to 11 October, will focus on Fijian Language Week activities, with learning opportunities for youth and children in Queenstown. The week will culminate in a vibrant Fiji Day celebration this Saturday, 12 October 2024 at Queenstown Memorial Hall.
QFCCT Trustee Jone Tokasayaisakaraia says: “Our celebration provides an opportunity for the wider community to experience Fijian culture and traditions while fostering a sense of belonging for our people. It’s about coming together to share our heritage, preserve our culture, and celebrate as one.”
CLT CEO Barbara Bridger says: "These celebrations are about more than just funding—they’re about bringing people together, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, and ensuring that our communities thrive. We are delighted to support initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and enhance social cohesion across our region.”
GRANTS APPROVED – 19 AUGUST 2024
PROJECT GRANTS
Alexandra Council of Social Services Inspiring wāhine leadership support $1,560
Aspiring Athletes Club Incorporated Timing equipment $516
Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Queenstown Diwali 2024 $18,000
Bridesdale Bush Trust Community Nursery Shed $15,000
Challenge Wanaka Junior Festival of Triathlon 2025 $25,000
Hāwea Domain Board Hāwea Domain Community Rooms $49,062
Queenstown Fijian Community Charitable Trust Fiji Day Multicultural Celebration $4,500
Queenstown Gymnastics Club Incorporated Gymnastics Equipment $3,174
Queenstown Harvest Community Gardens Community garden water bore $14,079
Wānaka Backyard Trapping Bait for trap lines $4,000
Wanaka CRG Emergency Trailer $26,617
Project grants total $161,508
OPERATIONAL/PROGRAMME GRANTS
Age Concern Otago Operational Grant Dec 2024 - Nov 2027 $110,000
Heart Kids NZ Operational Grant Sep 2024 - Nov 2025 $8,166
Hospice Southland Operational Grant Oct 2024 - Jun 2026 $174,993
Loss and Grief Support Trust Southland Operational Grant Sep 2024 - Aug 2025 $10,000
The Lightfoot Initiative Lightfoot Keep Queenstown Lakes Moving $75,000
Programme grants total $378,159
INTEREST CONTRIBUTIONS*
Central Lakes Trust Southern Lakes Trails Cycleways Maintenance Fund $177,924
Southern Lakes Trails Southern Lakes Trails Cycleways Construction Fund $581,235
Interest contributions total $759,159
TOTAL GRANTS APPROVED – SEPTEMBER 2024 $1,298,826
• Grants approved 2025 financial year to date (post meeting): $6,374,450
• Grants approved 2001-2025 Financial years (rolling total post meeting): $152,802,262
Values shown for multiyear grants are for the 2024/2025 year only.
*Interest contributions are added to the capital fund to keep pace with inflation.
