Queenstown Airport is excited to announce the first grants from the ZQN Community Fund, an initiative launched this year to support organisations making a meaningful difference across the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts.

Administered by the Wakatipu Community Foundation, the fund will distribute $50,000 a year to empower charitable groups responding to our region’s most pressing needs.

In its inaugural year, 78 applications were received, and 16 organisations were selected to receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

“We’re thrilled to support a diverse group of organisations working across our region from Alexandra to Wānaka to Glenorchy,” Queenstown Airport’s Partnerships and Marketing Manager, Vanessa Hartnell, says. “These grants are a recognition of their tireless mahi and the vital role they play in making this a better place for everyone.”

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

Ms Hartnell acknowledged the challenge of selecting recipients from such a strong pool of applicants.

“We had to make tough decisions, but the review committee prioritised projects supporting youth, families, and food security – areas where we saw the greatest need.”

Alasdair Gay, vice president for the Southern Lakes branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, is delighted his organisation has received a grant.

“The $5,000 will mean more hunted game meat can now be processed and donated to local charities through KiwiHarvest. This is a win for everyone, as less meat will be wasted, and more families will receive great quality meat, which is an expensive food item.”

2025 Grant Recipients

The 2025 ZQN Community Fund grants have been awarded to:  

  • NZ Deerstalkers Southern Lakes to process meat that will be distributed to the community via KiwiHarvest ($5,000)
  • Glenorchy Playgroup for a new water heater for the creche ($5,000)
  • Mt Aspiring College to complete the development of an accessible playground ($5,000)
  • MINT Charitable Trust to go towards camp costs for youth with disability ($5,000)
  • Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigade for new safety equipment ($4,714.44)
  • Cromwell Youth Trust to support the Wahine Toa development programme ($3,110)
  • Friends of Bullock Creek Trust for a new trailer for conservation work ($2,802)
  • Living Options Central Otago for art sessions at Te Atamira for youth with disability ($2,613.35)
  • Central Otago Family Services for teens and family workshops ($2,500)
  • Queenstown Lakes Baby Box Trust to buy items for Baby Boxes ($2,500)
  • Whakatipu Toy Library programme support ($2,500)
  • Queenstown Scouts to support the running costs of a new social enterprise ($2,162.21)
  • Central Otago Friendship Network for senior and teenage support sessions ($2,000)
  • Kahu Youth Trust to support an event to celebrate Matariki ($2,000)
  • Alexandra Youth Trust for a breakfast programme at Dunstan High School ($1,598)
  • Journeys Charitable Trust for an outdoor programme for teenage girls ($1,500)