Greytown Sport and Leisure [GSL] is seeking a new source of financial support after Greytown Trust Lands Trust indicated it would be pulling its funding.
The sport and leisure hub – which has been operating for two decades – represents 15 sporting clubs in the Greytown area and has more than 1400 annual members.
Until now, an annual grant of $45,000 had been provided by Greytown Trust Lands Trust but GSL operations manager Rosie Swanson said the organisation was informed last year that this would not continue.
Swanson met with the Greytown Community Board on Wednesday evening to re-establish a connection between the board and GSL, and discuss the future of the hub.
Swanson said the organisation wanted to promote a better understanding of what GSL does in the community.
“Greytown punches well above its weight in sports and leisure. It drives improvement in mental health and social connection,” she said.
“Partnership with the community board is something that should be cemented.”
Also under discussion is the possibility of expanding GSL’s services to other districts.
Swanson said if the proposed move to other towns were to go ahead, GSL would need an increased level of funding to keep services going.
When notified that Greytown Trust Lands Trust’s funding would cease in June 2024, GSL applied to South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] last year for funding consideration under urgency.
A decision was deferred on June 15 pending clarifications from GSL, and SWDC spokesperson Catherine Clouston said no further decision had since been made.
South Wairarapa Mayor Martin Connelly said funding from SWDC was possible, but he couldn’t say for certain.
“Traditionally, the council has given grants to a wide variety of bodies. Success would depend on a number of things.”
