Waipā Heritage Fund opens
A fund with the purpose of safeguarding the district’s heritage value is now accepting applications.
The Waipā Heritage Fund carries an annual value of $70,000, with two funding rounds per year.
This round (Round 14) closes on Monday 30 December 2019 and has $60,000 to allocate to successful applicants.
The fund was established in 2013 to assist with the preservation, enhancement and showcasing of the unique environmental and cultural heritage, diversity and history of the district.
It is available to members of the community with an emphasis on safeguarding the district’s heritage value, not increasing capital value.
Over $380,000 has been approved for projects across the Waipā District since the fund started.
Funding can be used to assist with physical works for heritage buildings, objects, natural vegetation, habitats, cultural or archaeological sites.
Funds may also be used to help with obtaining specialist advice where appropriate.
The Waipā Heritage Fund has assisted a wide range of projects including replacing stolen downpipes at St Paul’s Church in Rangiaowhia, controlling weeds at Karamu and Kaniwhaniwha reserves, a new roof for the Maungatautari Hall and restoring World War 2 memorial gates at Cambridge’s Memorial Park.
One local group grateful to benefit from the fund is St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Cambridge.
In 2017 the church parish received a $5,000 grant from the Waipā Heritage Fund to go towards replacing and restoring a number of the church organ’s pipes.
Parish member Alan Milton said the beloved heritage pipe organ was installed in 1899 and is a valued part of the history of the church.
He said the restoration of the pipes will allow the special instrument to continue to be used at community weddings, funerals, services and concerts for many years to come.
Council’s Strategic Partnerships Manager Gary Knighton said Waipā has a rich cultural, historical and environmental heritage often maintained by community groups with many hours of voluntary time.
“We encourage groups and community members to apply to the fund,” he said.
“A wider range of applications will ensure the district’s unique and diverse heritage will be protected and conserved for generations to come.”
To learn more about the fund and the type of projects it can support, or to apply, visit https://www.waipadc.govt.nz/our-services/grants-and-funding/heritagefund or phone 0800 WAIPA (924 723).