More community hubs, warmer homes and greener programmes are on the way after Rio Tinto New Zealand Aluminium Smelter and Ngāi Tahu awarded $500,000 to ten Southland projects in the third Community Development Fund round. The partnership between the smelter and iwi, signed in 2022, centres on remediation, energy development and local investment, and has now channelled almost $2.5 million into the region.
“Through this partnership and the Community Development Fund, we’re investing in the heart of Murihiku – its people, its environment, and its future,” said Matt Black, Acting Chief Executive of Rio Tinto | NZAS.
Te Rūnaka o Awarua representative Jacqui Caine added: “We’re pleased to support so many fantastic projects with the Community Development Fund, in accordance with the MOUs signed back in 2022. Once again, we were impressed by the applications and proud to support a diverse range of projects in round three that will deliver long-term, positive benefits for mana whenua and the wider Murihiku community.”
Where the money is going
- Health and wellbeing: Bluff Community Medical Centre receives $95,000 to expand services, while Number 10 Youth One Stop Shop secures $80,000 for rangatahi mental-health support. Ronald McDonald House’s Invercargill family room gains $21,925.30 to upgrade laundry facilities, and the Loss and Grief Support Trust is granted $20,000 for specialist drop-in sessions.
- Warm, energy-efficient homes: Southland Warm Homes Trust is allocated $25,000 to install efficient heating for vulnerable households.
- Sport and recreation: Southland Football’s synthetic turf redevelopment is backed with $50,000, and Bluff Community Pool receives $60,000 for new pipework and liner installation that will extend its life.
- Environment and enterprise: Insert Coin to Play’s BYTE//BACK e-waste recovery programme secures $20,000, teaching young people to refurbish and recycle discarded electronics. Hokonui Rūnanga’s Taonga Research Hub gains $75,000 to blend mātauranga Māori and science in protecting native species.
- Culture and identity: Mīharo Murihiku Trust receives $50,000 to stage Polyfest 2025, celebrating Southland’s rich diversity.
Applications for a further $500,000 round will open early in 2026, and organisers are encouraging community groups to prepare strong proposals now.