Final CLT grants round brings annual funding to over $14m
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has approved $960,082 in grants at its March meeting, bringing total funding for the 2025/26 financial year to just under $14.2 million. This final round of the year supports community services, wellbeing, facilities, and emergency response capability across the funding region.
Upgrades to improve play options and accessibility
The Wakatipu Toy Library has received $53,828 to revitalise and future proof its operations as it prepares to relocate from the Queenstown Events Centre to its new Frankton home by mid-2026.
“The new facility will allow us to create a more welcoming, functional space,” says Kath Buttar, a member of the group’s funding subcommittee. “As our community continues to grow, we want to open our door to as many families as possible to promote sustainable living through a circular, shared-toy model that reduces waste and increases community connection.”
A significant portion of the funding will be invested directly into establishing the group’s new facility, including fit-for-purpose cabin infrastructure and storage, alongside replenishing and modernising the toy collection and supporting the purchase of two bouncy castles.
New 4x4 to boost safety and response capability
The Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade will soon be exchanging its outdated 19‑year‑old support van for a fit‑for‑purpose 4x4 utility vehicle.
The brigade responds to fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical events and traffic hazards across Clyde, Earnscleugh, Springvale, and the Cromwell Gorge. In recent years, medical and crash responses have been the most common callouts.
“Every callout is different, and we have to be ready for whatever comes our way,” says Steve Gee, Chief Fire Officer of the Brigade.
“Having the right tools and capability behind us means we can respond more safely and effectively for the people in our community.”
The new 4x4 will provide safe off‑road performance, better storage for crash‑scene equipment, improved winter response capabilities, and the ability to assist with patient transport from remote locations. It will also support the brigade’s extensive involvement in community events, education programmes, and regular training. CLT has provided $40,000 in funding towards this new vehicle.
Strengthening youth confidence and resilience
CLT has supported the van Asch Bungy Foundation with $41,980 in funding to continue delivering its flagship youth resilience programme, The Leap Within, to schools across the region.
The Leap Within programme helps young people build emotional regulation, confidence, and the tools to navigate challenge and uncertainty. Each year, hundreds of students take part in the programme which consist of five in-school sessions and a final supported session at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge which culminates in a jump designed to build courage and self-belief.
“The Leap Within is all about helping young people discover their inner bravery and resilience,” says Sarah Cairns, CEO of the van Asch Bungy Foundation. “The programme equips them with future proofed tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
