Central Lakes Trust backs creativity, care, and conservation across the region

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has approved $152,137 in grants at its September meeting to support a diverse group of initiatives across the funding region.

Supporting whānau through life’s challenges

Among the latest grantees is Heart Kids NZ, a national not-for-profit that provides lifelong support to children, young people, and whānau affected by childhood heart conditions. In Central Otago, services are delivered by a local Community Family Support Taituarā who works 10 hours per week to provide direct, practical and emotional assistance. This includes hospital and home visits, counselling and travel subsidies, bereavement support, and opportunities for connection through events and camps. They are also supported by 10 volunteers who give around 50 hours per year. CLT has granted $10,000 towards the costs of service delivery in the region.

Hanna Griffin, Director of Community Impact for Heart Kids NZ, says local support is vital to the charity’s work:

“This funding enables our local Family Support Taituarā to walk alongside heart families through some of their toughest times – offering care, connection, and a strong sense of community right here in Central Otago,” she says.

Inspiring young minds through music

Also receiving support is the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra (DSO), which will bring its two-yearly schools’ outreach programme to the Central Lakes region this November. Starting on 17 November 2025, a group of six DSO musicians, accompanied by a music director and tour manager, will visit primary schools to deliver 45-minute interactive performances introducing orchestral instruments and music.

The free programme, open to Years 1–8, aims to make classical music accessible and inspiring for children, encouraging future engagement as both performers and audience members. Over five days, the group will deliver two to three performances per day, demonstrate their instruments and invite students to try selected ones. CLT has granted $3,204 towards accommodation and transport costs for the project.

Protecting native wildlife and restoring habitat

In the Whakatipu basin, Tucker Beach Wildlife Trust has received $28,173 to fund a part-time community engagement role for one year. The 20-hour-per-week position will strengthen relationships between trustees, volunteers, schools, and local groups, coordinating planting days and working bees while ensuring effective health and safety management. The Trust’s ongoing work to restore the 150-hectare Tucker Beach Wildlife Reserve and protect its endangered braided river birdlife continues to play an important part in regional conservation efforts.

Click here to view all grants approved.