Queenstown Airport has allocated $50,080 from the ZQN Community Fund to 15 grassroots organisations spread right across the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts.

Established in 2025 and administered by the 45South Community Foundation, the fund reflects Queenstown Airport’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities as part of its broader sustainability objectives.

Partnerships and Marketing Manager Vanessa Hartnell said the fund is about backing people and organisations quietly doing vital work across the region.

“A relatively small amount of money can make a big difference, helping to improve the wellbeing of our communities, strengthen connections, and protect the natural environment."

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of last year’s grants, and we’re pleased to be helping another range of wonderful initiatives this year.”

Vanessa Hartnell

Fifty applications were assessed by a panel of representatives from Queenstown Airport, the Queenstown Lakes District Council, and the 45South Community Fund.

Ms Hartnell said selecting recipients from such a strong field was not easy.

“There were lots of worthy applications, but we’ve worked hard to spread this year’s pool of funding across a broad geographic area, prioritising support for families in need, young people, and projects that build community connection.”

A small function was held at Queenstown Airport last night to celebrate the work of this year’s grant recipients.  

Cromwell Youth Trust General Manager/Kaiwhakahaere Matua Liana Harrison said she was extremely grateful for the $5,000 her organisation had received.

"The youth that it is helping have pretty much been given up on by every other agency you can think of, and without your funding, we would simply not be able to afford to support them. It is literally responsible for their ongoing education, making them the first youth in their extended family to stay in school until the age of 16 and, hopefully, beyond.

"The Lake Hāwea Community Centre also received a $5,000 grant.

“This $5,000 will be a huge help for the Lake Hāwea Community Centre as we move forward with essential upgrades to keep improving the centre and what we offer our community. We really appreciate this support from the ZQN Community Fund,” committee member Charlie Beare said.

2026 Grant Recipients

The 2026 ZQN Community Fund grants have been awarded to:  

  • Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust for mentoring sessions for teens ($2,000)
  • Arrowtown Primary School for poi to strengthen engagement with te ao Māori ($1,610)
  • Baskets of Blessing Charitable Trust, which provides food support to Central Otago families, for a critical electrical upgrade ($5,000)
  • Central Otago Living Options, which supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities to live meaningful lives, for a High 5 Winter Wellness Programme ($3,000)
  • Community Link Upper Clutha for food bank facilities ($2,500)
  • Cromwell Youth Trust to support vulnerable youth with education ($5,000)
  • Japanese Family Society of Queenstown for drums for its Taiko Club ($3,000)
  • Lake Hāwea Community Centre to support its role as a base for community activities and an emergency hub ($5,000)
  • Lake Hayes and Shotover Country Community Association for a new playground for Lake Hayes Estate ($4,000)
  • Lightfoot Initiative Charitable Trust for storage for its OneBike project ($3,000)
  • MINT Charitable Trust, which empowers individuals with intellectual disability and supports their families, to host a ball ($1,500)
  • Momentum Charitable Trust to support education and social integration initiatives for former prisoners ($4,000)
  • Queenstown Association of Migrant Pinoys to provide social support for Filipino migrants ($3,000)
  • Red Frogs NZ to provide youth support to alleviate alcohol harm at events ($2,500)
  • Whakatipu Youth Trust for Seasons for Growth workshops for teens ($4,970).

For more information about the ZQN Community Fund and future funding opportunities, see www.45south.org/zqncommunityfund.