In the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding round, $94k was approved to support two regional events and four community initiatives, aimed at enhancing local wellbeing and attracting visitation during the tourism shoulder period.
The Trust approved $30k in funding to support the Heartland Classic, which will officially open the new John Heikell Grandstand at Gisborne’s Rugby Park.
The event will celebrate the completion of this highly anticipated community facility and mark a significant milestone for the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union. An exhibition match will see the Poverty Bay Rugby team take on the Classic All Black team, which includes former All Blacks, Māori All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens players. The event is expected to bring together thousands of locals and out-of-town visitors.
Players will spend three days participating in community engagements and tourism experiences across the region. National television coverage will highlight the people, places and experiences Tairāwhiti has to offer, supporting visitation to the region during the shoulder season.
Other funding recipients this month:
- Manaaki Tāngata Victim Support: $20k to support the organisation in providing free, 24/7 crisis and recovery support across Tairāwhiti for people affected by crime and traumatic events.
- Parafed Gisborne Tairāwhiti: $14k to provide inclusive sport and recreation programmes across the region, improving wellbeing, participation and social connection for disabled people and their whānau.
- The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand: $10k to deliver stroke prevention, education, screening and recovery support services across Tairāwhiti, improving access to culturally responsive care for stroke survivors.
- Gisborne Ballet Group: $5k to support the 2026 competition, providing local dancers the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre environment. It will feature a range of dance genres, including ballet, hip hop, contemporary, modern and musical theatre.
Regional Event Funding recipient:
- First Light Wine and Food Festival: $15k to support the Gisborne Wine and Food Festival 2026 at Matawhero Wines. The event is set to build on the past two years with a one-site model with live entertainment and a selection of local cuisine paired with some of the region’s most popular wines.
All successful applications aligned strongly with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora.