Otago Community Trust (OCT) has announced the recipients of its Central Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund, which is dedicated to the young people of Central.

Of the six applications received for the fund, four Central youth-led projects have received a combined $14,400. 

Dunstan High School’s Dunstan Legacy Project received $2000 for a student-led initiative to address food inequity with a lunch and breakfast programme called Whawhai Matekai, which means fighting hunger.

NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association received $5000 to coordinate a three-day rodeo youth camp with rangatahi from both Australia and New Zealand. It will feature clinics with coaches and aims to broaden the participants' education, knowledge and social circle.

Cromwell Presbyterian Church Youth Group was granted $2400 to support weekly activities and regular camps and meetings with other youth groups in the region.

In Upper Clutha,  Kahu Youth received $5000 towards a mural in the new Kahu Youth Centre. Rangatahi will be involved in all aspects of the mural design and painting through weekend art workshops.

Central Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund, which was launched in September, was created with the goal of funding projects and events led by rangatahi, which would encourage community engagement and excitement among the youth in Central. 

The specific criteria for the fund is centred around the development of exciting experiences and creative ideas for the district’s youth, which would be long lasting, promote cultural diversity and something that was developed for youth by youth.

Leading the efforts of the Central Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund are seven dedicated Central Otago rangatahi: Noah Moody, Jessie McNeil, Morgan Calder, Izzy Miscisco, Chloe Murray, Chirlene Vorster and James Avenell.

The young leaders have been involved in evaluating and making funding recommendations with the guidance and support of OCT.

OCT chief executive Jemma Adams emphasised that the funds were designed to empower young people to actively engage in the funding process, allowing them to have a say in decisions that have a positive impact on their community.

“Their involvement not only contributes to the success of the fund, but also provides them with valuable leadership experience and insights into the world of philanthropy, alongside the complexities of addressing community needs.”

Jemma said they aimed to cultivate a generation of change-makers who are active participants in building a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Central Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund member Izzy Miscisco (17), of Cromwell, said the fund was a great opportunity to learn about how grants work and everything that goes on behind the scenes.

“We had some very cool initiatives and ideas from our local youth, and supported those who had the courage to put an application in to better their community.”