A full term of swimming lessons for local children, new sailing facilities, maintenance of a traditional craft used for learn-to-sail training, vital equipment for Waiheke surfclub and new comm’s tech for Waiheke Coastguard: five projects going ahead thanks to funding from the Waiheke Marina Maritime Trust.
“We were delighted to receive applications from such great local groups, including two schools”, says Todd Parkin, one of the three local trustees looking after the fund.
The projects were:
- Te Huruhi Primary School received funding for swimming lessons for children for a full school term.
- Waiheke High School’s grant will contribute towards building a base for the school’s sailing program – a secure pontoon within the Waiheke Marina to accommodate eight sailing boats (six 420 dinghies and two RS Fevas).
- The unique opportunity for youth to learn traditional sailing skills on the 1898 trading cutter sailboat Kate.
- A trailer fit out to assist Waiheke Surf Club with transporting and storing gear for its 120 members.
- Bluetooth headsets for onboard communication during Waiheke Coastguard operations.
“Although Waiheke Marina is still new in the community, it is initiatives such as the Maritime Trust that will hopefully help it get established and extend its connections, by supporting local projects. The Trust is funded by the bertholders and by all visitors to the Marina,” says Tom Warren, marina co-director.
“The Marina team enjoyed meeting the grant recipients and hearing their stories. We look forward to contributing again next year.”
More information about the Maritime Trust can be found here.
