At its August meeting the trust approved $387,454 in grants, supporting a range of projects that celebrate creativity, diversity and community connection across the region.
Included in the grants was $50,000 for the 2025 Central Lakes Polyfest.
Mīharo business and finance manager Tara McIntosh said this year’s polyfest, at the Queenstown Events Centre on October 22-23, would feature vibrant cultural performances, performing arts workshops, youth career pathway sessions, mentoring opportunities, visual arts workshops and cultural responsiveness support.
"Central Lakes Polyfest and the Mīharo Art Exhibition and Awards are about celebrating identity and belonging.
"They bring people together in a way that is positive, inclusive and accessible, offering tamariki and rangatahi meaningful opportunities to share their heritage and creativity while strengthening wellbeing and connection across our region."
In 2024, the festival brought together around 1480 tamariki and rangatahi who performed for an audience of 10,000 in person and a further 15,000 online.
With an expanded programme this year, organisers aim to reach even more people.
The accompanying Mīharo Art Exhibition will run for six weeks at Te Atamira from September 17 to October 22.
In Cromwell the bowling club will be transformed by the Fine Thyme Theatre Company into a haunted mansion for Nothing to Fear, an immersive theatre experience written by local resident Lisa Clough.
The production invites the audience to become part of the story in the ghostly setting, bringing a new dimension to local theatre.
A grant of $12,470 was made towards the show.
The trust’s grants manager Mat Begg said arts and culture played a vital role in building strong, connected communities.
"We are delighted to support these initiatives that bring people together, celebrate diversity and offer creative opportunities for all."
Grants approved for Central Otago in August were:
PROJECT GRANTS
- Alexandra Toy Library Toy upgrade: $3022.
- Bannockburn Community Centre Community Emergency Hub upgrade: $17,800.
- Central Otago Ecological Trust Research — predator eradication and lizard numbers: $9500.
- Cromwell Kids Fun Club educational tools: $2240.
- Cromwell Presbyterian Church Light Party 2025: $3850.
- Fine Thyme Theatre Company Nothing to Fear production: $12,740.
- Mīharo 2025 Central Lakes Polyfest & Art Exhibition:$50,000.
- Teviot Valley Educare roof replacement: $20,000.
- Up-Cycles Charitable Trust Rangatahi Bike Ambassador programme 2025: $9852.
Project grants total across Central Lakes District: $256,865.
OPERATIONAL/PROGRAMME GRANTS
- Central Otago Friendship Network operational grant Sep 2025-Mar 2027: $69,217.
- Total operational/programme grants across Central Lakes District: $130,589.
