Capital Projects Abound

Trust Waikato’s Significant Capital Projects Fund is dedicated towards capital projects of $1 million or more. In 2023, six projects formally opened to the public, whilst others made significant progress towards their completion. It was a privilege to celebrate with our communities at notable openings of long anticipated projects supported through our Significant Capital Projects Fund.

These significant capital projects profiled below are many years in the making and support community participation through access to important facilities. They also make a significant economic contribution to our region. Since the fund’s inception in 2015, 34 grants totaling $19 million have contributed to capital build costs of over $169 million combined project costs.

Through their strategic investments and partnerships, these projects contribute to community vibrancy and resilience with hugely positive impacts for communities across the Waikato rohe.

K’aute Pasifika Village

$3.137 million granted

With a vision over 20 years in the making, Trust Waikato is proud to have been an early funder for the project. On 17 January K’aute Pasifika Trust welcomed over 1,500 guests to celebrate the completion of the first stage in building their iconic K’aute Pasifika Village. The Village, New Zealand’s first pan-Pacific hub, provides Pasifika-focused holistic, wrap around services including an early learning centre, a fale style space for community and cultural events, and a wellbeing hub as a place for everyone to enjoy.

Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust

$300,000 granted

At dawn on 2 February, nearly 100 guests joined at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari for a kawanga whare to bless the Manu Korokii Profile Group Education Centre with the rising sun. Following five years of planning and a year-long build, the education centre anticipates hosting up to 3,500 students and their teachers each year, and is available to schools, tertiary groups, community groups, and anyone participating in Sanctuary Mountain’s Conservation Education Programme.

Game On Charitable Trust

$1,000,000 granted

On 11 February, a grand opening of the Gallagher Recreation Centre also unveiled the centre’s name gifted by Ngaati Rooraa, Te Whare Takarangi o Te Kuuiti. Formally known as the King Country Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre, the project was first floated in 2014 and involved multiple parties including Waitomo District Council, Te Kuiti High School Board, and Ministry of Education. Trust Waikato Chief Executive, Dennis Turton, also contributed to the project’s success as a member of the steering group established to help guide the project to completion.

Hamilton City Council

$1,000,000 granted

On 28 February, Hamilton patrons and youth from the adjacent football club gathered at Gower Park to celebrate the first stage of lighting upgrades across six of the city’s parks. Once completed, floodlighting will light up 21 fields across Korikori Park, Porritt Stadium, Gower Park, Ashurst Park, Galloway Park and Flynn Park. The additional lighting allows for the community and clubs to use fields on winter weeknights, increasing available training time across the city.

South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT)

$1,000,000 granted

The South Waikato Trades Training Centre in Tokoroa opened with a dawn ceremony blessing by Raukawa kaumaatua on 24 June. Gifted the name Puukenga Rau, the purpose-built facility will be the new campus for Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga and aims to provide growth and investment within the South Waikato. The idea for the centre dates back to 2007, with a pitch to Government for funding began in 2018 when the Southern Waikato Economic Action Plan was developed. The $14 million project was led by SWIFT in close liaison with Toi Ohomai.

Magical Bridge Trust

$1,000,000 granted

In the afternoon of 1 December, hundreds of whaanau took to the swings and slides to have a go at the newly opened Magical Bridge Playground. The first of its kind outside of Northern California, the fully inclusive playground removes barriers for individuals and families with physical or neurological disabilities, and is designed to include everyone, no matter their age or ability. Trust Waikato supported the establishment of the Magical Bridge Trust with a Community Impact Seed grant in 2020, and then became the single largest funder for the project following the partnership with Hamilton City Council.

Significant Capital Projects Underway

Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT)

$574,000 granted

CILT is getting very close to moving into Te Puutahi – The Hub, ensuring the further development and sustainability of their services into the future. The purpose-built centre will provide a modern, enduring, collaborative environment where the social and community needs of the people of the Upper Coromandel Peninsula can be met. This includes community service and social support providers; meeting space and co-working facilities; and space for sports, recreation and community clubs.

Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust (HMS Trust)

$700,000 granted

The redevelopment of the Settlement Centre Waikato has been a goal of HMS Trust since 2012. The updated facility will provide ethnic and migrant communities of Kirikiriroa access to the services they need to settle successfully in the region, in a modern, fit-for-purpose space which will enable diverse communities to come together.

Waikato Regional Property Trust

$15,000,000 granted

Whilst technically not a Significant Capital Projects Fund grant, funding towards the Waikato Regional Theatre is the largest grant made in Trust Waikato’s history. It was also the first formal financial commitment made towards the theatre during its design consultation back in October 2017. Fast forward to November 2023 when Trust Waikato trustees and staff had the privilege of touring the construction site to see the progress firsthand. The world-class performing arts centre is due to open in 2024. Background information on the theatre’s project history since its inception in 2016 outlines how the project came about and the initial planning stages.