A Maniototo group seeking community board funding, has cited a drop in visitor numbers and spending as a key concern.

Hazel Harrison, of the Naseby Information and Craft Centre, presented the group's case to the Maniototo Community Board yesterday, requesting $4500 from the community grant pool to assist with running costs.

The money would be put towards insurance, lighting and heating, office and administration costs, and telecommunications.

Hazel said the Maniototo Community Board had assisted the group with funding for the past 35 years.

“That’s how long we’ve been operating, which we are very proud of, and we are also very grateful that the board has always funded us.”

Hazel said the group was getting short on volunteers, which had limited the number of large-scale fundraising events it could host.

And, as many groups had found, costs had gone up and people were spending less.

“A couple of weeks ago we had 15 people through the centre - not one bought a thing and that is unusual.”

She said visitor numbers were also down.

The Maniototo Early Settlers Museum has also asked for $8300 to go towards annual operating costs.

Tiaki Maniototo has requested $1437 from the board’s promotion grants fund, which it would put towards portaloos during its Taiari Wai River Festival in January next year.

The board agreed to give $4000 to the Naseby Information and Craft Centre, with the understanding they could apply for more in the next application round in the new year.

The full amount requested by Maniototo Early Settlers Museum and Tiaki Maniototo were approved.