Funding for community groups was top-of-mind for the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board members at its meeting last week in Karitane.
Several local groups were on hand to speak in support of funding applications, but before the public forum began Waikouaiti Coast Community Board chairman Alasdair Morrison spoke about the board’s funding constraints.
The board, which was allocated $10,000 for its Discretionary Fund each financial year by the Dunedin City Council, had received more than $24,000 in funding applications since June 2025, Mr Morrison said.
It had distributed grants of $5906.98 in the financial year so far, leaving $4093.02 in the pot.
‘‘Today, we will be considering applications valued at $12,000 — which sadly will not fit within our budget,’’ he said.
Public Forum — funding applications
First up at the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board public forum was OneCoast Inc. chairwoman Judy Martin, speaking in support of the rural resource recovery group’s funding application for $678 for a power inverter at the OneCoast Hub in Waikouaiti.
The group was also looking for support to send staff and volunteers on Hato Hone St John First Aid courses, she said.
Later in the meeting, the board discussed the application and granted OneCoast Inc $678.
Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre representative Denise Hutchison returned to speak in support of a modified funding request for $976 for a wall-mounted flat screen TV for use in educational sessions. The board agreed to grant $500 towards the project.
In a belated appearance, East Otago Riding for the Disabled Association president Tania Henderson and a fellow member spoke in support of a funding application for $1429.32 towards the purchase of two laptops and a phone for administration duties.
When pressed for the most urgent requirement, Ms Henderson said a phone at about $250 was the most important.
Board members suggested that East Otago Riding for the Disabled contact Dunedin e-waste recycling, repurposing and digital support organisation Com2Tech to see if it could help with the needed devices.
The funding application was left to ‘‘lie on the table’’ until the result of this step was known.
The board also discussed two further funding applications.
An updated application from the Waitati Playground Committee requesting $3000 for play equipment was considered and the board agreed to grant $2000 towards the project.
A funding application from Jenny Rowley, of the Otago Catchment Group, for $5984 to support the establishment of a walkway through the native reserve at Inverary St, Waikouaiti, was discussed.
The board decided to let the application ‘‘lie on the table’’ and would ask Ms Rowley to attend the next meeting to answer questions.
Special presentation
The Waikouaiti Coast Community Board heard a wide-ranging presentation by first-time Otago Regional Council Dunedin Constituency councillor Chanel Gardner.
Describing the work of the ORC as taking a ‘‘very much mountains-to-sea point of view’’, Ms Gardner said the council was keen to work with communities towards delivering its annual plan and long-term plan in an affordable way.
‘‘Flood protection and climate change mitigation are key priorities,’’ she said.
Board members were welcoming to Ms Gardner and keen to ask questions, resulting in a broad discussion covering Hawksbury Lagoon, the water catchment upgrade, public transport, flooding risks, water quality, and the potential for Coastal Otago to become a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
General
In his chairman’s report, Alasdair Morrison told the board work was set to start on the Warrington half-basketball court on April 20, with the project set to take about a month.
He also highlighted that demolition of a derelict building at Karitane Wharf was also set to start on April 20.
‘‘Once the building is removed, there will be a large flat area left at Karitane Wharf, so it may be worth asking local people what the might like to be done with it.’’
Board member Geraldine Tait also raised concerns about the ongoing challenges to the country and rural communities of the ongoing fuel situation, and proposed that the DCC should make it a higher priority.
After discussion, board members agreed.
