Two Central Otago organisations are big winners in the latest Otago Community Trust funding round.

Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust/Puna Rangatahi has received close to $33,000, while the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group, which organises the town’s Light Up Winter and Street Party and Fireworks events, has been granted $25,000.

An Otago Community Trust spokesperson said funding for the youth trust would help ensure its services extend from “Millers Flat to Maniototo”.

Puna Rangatahi youth worker Marley Ferguson said delivering youth work in small communities is challenging - especially with the rising programme costs and the increasing needs of young people.

“Grants like this are often the difference between having to scale back and being able to offer the kind of consistent, meaningful support that makes a real difference.”

The trust runs a range of programmes, including drop-in sessions, mentoring and events, and its impact can be immeasurable.

“Funding like this has a ripple effect far beyond just the immediate programmes or projects it supports,” Marley said.

“It helps us create safe, welcoming spaces and opportunities for rangatahi to connect, learn, and grow - which in turn builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

“It allows us to remove barriers to participation, whether providing transport or ensuring young people have access to the resources they need. For young people, that can mean discovering new passions, developing life skills, or feeling genuinely heard and supported.

“For their whānau, it often means seeing their young person more engaged, motivated, and connected to their community. We’ve seen parents tell us their rangatahi are more confident to try new things, happier at home, and more optimistic about their future, all because they’ve had consistent, positive relationships through the trust.”

Marley said the grant was about more than money.

“Support from OCT (Otago Community Trust) isn’t just financial – they really get what we do and see the value in it. That recognition is hugely motivating for our team, and it reassures our rangatahi and their whānau that they matter and are worth backing.”

Light Up Winter attracts thousands each year, with support from the Otago Community Trust. Image: Supplied/Light Up Winter

For Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group chair Caitlyn Dykes the Otago Community Trust's backing has shored up key events on the Cromwell calendar.

“In particular, this funding has been instrumental in helping Light Up Winter continue to grow year on year,” she said.

“With numbers up again on last year, it’s become a much-anticipated and not-to-be-missed winter event, attracting locals and out-of-town visitors alike.”

A total of 57 grants totalling $640,959 were approved by the trust in the July funding round.

Other local recipients included the Omakau Bowling Club ($10,500), the Cromwell Scout group and Roxburgh Area School ($10,000 each), Ranfurly’s Radio Charity ($3,500), and the Alexandra Toy Library ($1,500). 

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