The Community Access Grant is transforming lives and strengthening communities across Ōtepoti
The roar of 30,000 rugby fans. The thunderous applause for international artists. The excitement of monster trucks tearing across the field. These are the moments that make headlines when we think of Forsyth Barr Stadium and The Dunedin Centre. But behind the big-ticket events lies a quieter, more profound story where everyday Dunedinites take centre stage in world-class venues that truly belong to them.
Where Dreams Take the Stage
Picture this: a nervous 12-year-old stepping onto the same turf where international rugby legends have made history, or a community choir filling The Dunedin Centre's acoustically perfect Town Hall with harmonies that rival any touring production. These aren't fantasy scenarios - they're everyday realities for thousands of locals who've discovered that our city's premier venues are more than tourist attractions or corporate playgrounds.
The Community Access Grant has shattered the traditional barriers that might prevent local schools, clubs, and community groups from dreaming big. By providing financial support and reducing venue hire costs, the program ensures that world-class facilities serve world-class communities, regardless of budget constraints.
2025: A Year of Extraordinary Moments
The numbers tell an inspiring story, but the experiences behind them reveal something even more powerful. This year alone, these venues have hosted a kaleidoscope of community events that showcase the true spirit of Ōtepoti.
The Big Sing transformed The Dunedin Centre into a cathedral of sound, with nearly 3,000 performers across two events serenading over 1,000 spectators. Choirs from across New Zealand converged on our city, turning the Town Hall into a testament to the power of collective voice and shared passion.
At Forsyth Barr Stadium, more than 1,000 amateur athletes, from weekend warriors to promising juniors, experienced the thrill of competing on hallowed ground. For many young players, running onto that field represents the culmination of years of early morning training sessions and muddy weekend matches. It's a moment that transforms dreams into memories that last a lifetime.
The Moana Nui Festival brought Pacific culture to life in spectacular fashion, while Wild Dunedin's immersive "Naturedome" transported over 10,000 visitors into the wonders of our natural world. In a particularly memorable moment, yoga enthusiasts rolled out their mats to set a new national record for the largest yoga session ever held in New Zealand, proving that community spirit knows no bounds.
Family-friendly events like Children's Day and Movie Magic demonstrated the venues' remarkable versatility, transforming a rugby fortress into an arena of imagination where hundreds of families created precious memories together.
Your Turn to Shine
Every great community story begins with someone brave enough to imagine what's possible. Perhaps you're part of a school considering an ambitious production, a sports club dreaming of hosting a major tournament, or a cultural group wanting to share your heritage with the wider community. Maybe you have an entirely original concept that's never been tried before.
The Community Access Grant exists precisely for moments like these - to transform "what if" into "what's next." By removing financial barriers and providing access to facilities that rival any in New Zealand, the program ensures that innovation and inspiration aren't limited by budget constraints or venue availability.
Dunedin's venues have proven they can host anyone from international superstars to local heroes. The stages are set, the lights are ready, and the next chapter of our community's story is waiting to be written.
The question isn't whether our venues are good enough for your vision - it's whether you're ready to see how extraordinary that vision can become when given the right platform.
Take the Stage
Our city's greatest venues aren't just places where the world comes to play, they're where Dunedin comes together. They're where ordinary people discover they're capable of extraordinary things, where communities celebrate their diversity, and where the next generation learns that their dreams deserve world-class stages.
Apply for your Community Access Grant now! Visit dunedinvenues.co.nz/venue-hire/community-access-grant/ to learn more and submit your proposal. Because the next great community story could be yours.
