Supporting our communities
Development West Coast (DWC) recognises the linkages between economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing and values participatory and inclusive decision making. For example, in terms of improving the recreation and liveability aspects of the West Coast region, the Trust aims to promote the strengths of the lifestyle and natural assets of the West Coast region that are conducive to families and young and well-educated young adults. The aim is to ensure that the West Coast region is perceived as a vibrant, cosmopolitan area, diverse with nature and natural environment, with show-case events and supportive sports, arts and cultural activities
Since its establishment, DWC has invested $78.9m into community distributions and projects to help build vibrant and thriving communities across the region.
WEST COAST COMMUNITY TRUST
The West Coast Community Trust receives annual funding from DWC, which it distributes to community groups that create an economic benefit to the region.
Community distributions and projects
DWC has financially supported significant assets and facilities throughout the West Coast through the Major District Initiative Fund (MDI) and Extraordinary Distribution Fund (EDF). DWC recognises that community facilities are important to support and help build vibrant communities.
Major District Initiative Fund
The Major District Initiative Fund (MDI) was established in 2005 as a multi-year initiative through to 2022 to provide funding to support community projects and facilities, recognising the contribution these make to supporting and helping build vibrant communities.
The total MDI commitment was $20.1m, with $6.7m allocated to each of the three West Coast district councils. Funding was distributed to projects through each of the councils at a rate of $400,000 per annum.
Extraordinary Distribution Fund
In 2011 DWC provided each of the three district councils with a one-off $2 million Extraordinary Distribution Fund (EDF), enabling each district council to fund community assets and projects that would boost their local economy.
Major sporting facilities
DWC provides $14.1m in funding towards major sporting facilities across the region.
Learn moreReefton Powerhouse project
DWC support is a “game-changer” for the Reefton Powerhouse project.
Learn moreEducation
DWC has supported a range of educational projects, acknowledging that education is a key component to long-term improvements in our region’s economic performance.
DWC Tertiary Scholarships
Development West Coast offers four Tertiary Scholarships annually to first time tertiary students as a means to provide a pathway for West Coast students to attain tertiary qualifications and return to the West Coast to undertake their career.
Learn moreDWC attracts external funding for Pathway Advisors
The West Coast has six new Pathway Advisors to help enable our youth to be better informed and to prepare for their future.
Learn moreSupport for West Coast young entrepreneurs
Support from Development West Coast helps West Coast High School students put their business skills to the test through the Young Enterprise Scheme.
Learn moreEducational initiatives
DWC acknowledges that education is a key component to long-term improvements in our region’s economic performance and has supported a range of educational projects since its establishment.
Learn moreBP Business Challenge
Support from DWC ensures students across the West Coast could participate in BP Business Challenge.
Learn moreToki Pounamu
Funding from DWC has helped Toki Pounamu provide over 2,500 Chromebooks to students.
Learn more