For more than three decades, the Dairy Flat Community Trust has been dedicated to giving back to the local community by supporting organisations, projects, and individuals who make a positive difference throughout the region.
The 2025/26 year marked the Trust's 34th year of operation, continuing a proud legacy of community investment. During the year, the Trust received an annual contribution of $107,999, enabling it to provide funding to local organisations and tertiary students while continuing to build a reserve fund for future community development.
A total of $89,530 was allocated to ten community organisations, while $15,000 was awarded to ten tertiary students pursuing further education.
Every year, the Trust has the privilege of supporting organisations that improve the lives of local residents through health, sport, education, recreation, and community development initiatives.
Harbour Hospice Trust received $4,652 in funding to purchase specialist equipment, including a Sara Stedy Standing Aid and a suction unit, which assists the clinical team in managing and clearing airway blockages. These items are now in regular use, helping staff provide safe and effective care for people living with life-limiting illnesses.
Over the past year, Harbour Hospice cared for 410 patients, including residents from the Dairy Flat area. Funding from the Trust has helped ensure patients and their families continue to receive high-quality care close to home.
Photo supplied by: Hibiscus Coast Softball Club
The Hibiscus Coast Softball Club received $3,335 in funding to purchase essential equipment including softballs, club polo shirts, and player apparel. These resources have helped reduce participation costs for families while strengthening team pride and supporting players and volunteers throughout the season.
By investing in local sporting organisations, the Trust helps create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, develop skills, and build lasting community connections.
The No. 5 (Rodney) Squadron Air Training Corps received $8,000 in funding to purchase a large camping tent and solar generator to support outdoor training and squadron camps. These additions will enhance future activities and provide cadets with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, and practical outdoor skills.
The squadron has already begun preparations for upcoming camps and is excited to put the new equipment to good use in the months ahead.
Photo supplied by: No.5 Squadron
Education continues to be a key area of support for the Dairy Flat Community Trust. Through its annual tertiary grant programme, the Trust helps up to ten local students pursue their educational goals, and develop the skills needed to contribute to their communities and future professions.
One of this year's grant recipients, Kaitlyn Bourhill, received a tertiary grant to go towards her studying Chemical and Process Engineering degree at the University of Canterbury. The funding helped cover accommodation costs, allowing her to focus on making the most of her university experience.
Throughout the semester, Kaitlyn gained valuable practical engineering experience. She was part of a team that designed and built a working water fountain as part of a Fluid Mechanics project, earning a Teamwork Award and achieving an impressive mark of 95%. She also completed engineering projects involving pump system design, developed advanced 3D modelling skills using SolidWorks software, strengthened her Python programming capabilities, and undertook mechanical workshop training where she manufactured a steel hammer and explored the operation of real engineering equipment.
Kaitlyn credits the support from the Dairy Flat Community Trust with helping her focus on her studies and continue building the practical, technical, and problem-solving skills that will support her future engineering career.
While supporting today's community needs remains a priority, the Trust also continues to plan for the future. The Dairy Flat Community Trust's reserve funds are earmarked for future development of the landfill site following its closure the long-term goal is to develop the site into a valuable asset that can be enjoyed by future generations.
The annual contribution for 2026 has increased to $110,097, allowing the Trust to continue supporting worthwhile projects, students, and organisations across the community.
The Dairy Flat Community Trust would like to thank all funding recipients, scholarship recipients, community organisations, trustees, and supporters who contribute to making the Dairy Flat community such a special place.
The Trust is proud of what has been achieved together over the past year and looks forward to continuing its mission of supporting projects and people that strengthen our community for generations to come.
WM New Zealand's Dairy Flat Community Trust has supported Redvale for 30 years, funding scholarships, community projects, and future environmental initiatives.
WM New Zealand's Dairy Flat Community Trust has supported Redvale for 30 years, funding scholarships, community projects, and future environmental initiatives.
WM New Zealand's Dairy Flat Community Trust contributed over $100,000 to local schools, organisations, and students, continuing its long-standing community support.
The Dairy Flat Community Trust awarded annual grants to local groups, supporting education, sports, and community projects with sustained financial aid.
