A raft of funding requests totalling nearly $15,000 were fielded by the Greytown Community Board at a meeting on Wednesday.
Three of the seven funding applications for funding had representatives present to make their case.
John Gilberthorpe spoke on the application from Greytown Little Theatre [GLT] for $10,000 to help with a “major upgrade” to the former St John’s Hall that GLT bought two years ago.
The necessary refurbishments include major work on the existing studio space and an extension to the north of the building to house new toilets, a kitchenette, a dressing room, and a small foyer.
Gilberthorpe said GLT had applied to South Wairarapa District Council for a $10,000 community grant but had been directed to the community board.
Board member Warren Woodgyer addressed this in his member’s report, in which he noted the total cost of the project is $577,000.
“I am troubled by the lack of funding available to support such worthy community projects,” Woodgyer wrote.
“It raises concerns about the allocation of rates collected in Greytown, particularly regarding the percentage allocated to the arts. GLT, being a ratepayer itself, contributes to the community and expects support in return.”
The board echoed Woodgyer’s support for the theatre, recommended the theatre apply for a rates remission to ease fundraising pressure, and proposed $5000 be granted once end-of-year financials are confirmed.
Bob Chambers spoke on behalf of an application from Greytown Menz Shed, of which he is the secretary.
Chambers said the shed has recently acquired some money for new equipment and is installing computer controlled cutting machines, which transform “working with chisels and bits of wood to make beautiful artwork into a thought process using computer equipment, designing what you want as an outcome and letting the machine build it”, Chambers said.
News of the new technology has resulted in “a sudden influx of new members absolutely desirous to get involved because technology is their thing”, but it’s also anticipated it will mean an increase in dust and woodchip, so the group was seeking help with paying for a new extractor system.
“We want to ensure the Menz Shed users, and anyone else who comes in has the safest, cleanest environment,” Chambers said.
The board unanimously voted to put $1000 towards the club’s ventilation system.
The board heard from Wayne Terry on the Greytown Santa Parade.
Although it had been previously estimated the required road closures would cost between $6000 and $8000, Terry said that thanks to negotiation and people volunteering their time, this cost has been reduced to $1322.50.
The board thanked Terry for his hard work organising the parade and unanimously voted to grant the funding.
The board also received applications for funding from period product charity Divine River for $500 to support In School Sky workshops, and Greytown Junior Football Club for $1000 towards a paid administration role.
The board requested further information on both applications, asking if other funding avenues were available and what the benefits to Greytown were.
The only funding application to be declined was from the Wairarapa Four Wheel Drive Club to support an event in Pirinoa, as board members agreed the cause isn’t specific enough to Greytown.
“They’ve got more money in their financial report than we have in the grant!” joked one board member.
