Media release

16 January 2007

Transpower CommunityCare Fund grants $535,000 to community projects

Sixteen applications for financial assistance for community related projects have been funded by Transpower in the first round of its new CommunityCare Fund (CCF).

Transpower is the State Owned Enterprise that owns and operates New Zealand’s high-voltage transmission network. In the last year, it has begun a number of new transmission projects that will continue to help meet New Zealand’s growing demand for electricity.

Transpower Chief Executive Patrick Strange said that Transpower recognises that transmission lines and other assets, while benefiting the whole of New Zealand, can impact the communities in which they are located.

“We need effective partnerships with communities in order to build and maintain our lines. Funding projects that make a difference at a local level is, in our view, a step in the right direction.

“The first December funding round has resulted in a total of $535,000 granted to some very worthwhile projects throughout the country that will be enjoyed by whole communities."

The CommunityCare Fund was established by Transpower in 2006 to provide assistance to communities impacted by Transpower assets, with projects that add real value and benefit to the community as a whole. Applications are considered twice yearly by an independent funding panel consisting of councillors, senior representatives from local government and two representatives from Transpower.

Over 50 proposals were received from a wide variety of community groups and associations in the latest round of Grants.

Successful projects that received funding included smaller projects for a number of schools - $14,000 towards staging and seating for Goodwood School in Cambridge, through to larger initiatives - $80,000 towards the restoration of a Community Hall in Matahuru and $100,000 towards the new Karapiro Domain Water Sports Complex in Waipa.

Further south, The Friends of Otaki River received $27,000 towards a footbridge for a recreational walkway, and Hillmorton Plunket Centre in Christchurch received a grant of $32,470 for electrical services for their Clinic Centre.

Patrick Strange congratulated those successful in their funding requests and wished them the best of luck with their projects.

“Unfortunately it is not possible to fund all the applications received; however those organisations who missed out can certainly reapply. “ Criteria for applications and forms required for the CommunityCare Fund can be downloaded from Transpower’s website www.transpower.co.nz. There are two funding rounds per year and applications will next be considered in July 2008.

Organisations seeking to apply for funds should have their completed forms in by 30 June.

ENDS

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