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 $81.3m 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.
DWC support for O'Conor Home
Since the adverse weather events of July 2021 DWC have been working with O’Conor Home to assist with the on-going development/expansion of the existing facilities and offerings for the aged residents of the Buller Community.
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Homebuilders finds a home with support from DWC
Homebuilders West Coast Trust has settled into a new home after its former building was flooded in July last year.
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Support for Rough and Tumble Lodge
DWC support helps transition the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge into West Coast ownership and maintain local employment.
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New health and social service facility in Greymouth
Support from DWC helps Poutini Waiora Trust purchase a new health and social service facility.
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DWC support brings aged care housing project a step closer for Greymouth
A new shared housing facility for older people is a step closer to being built in Greymouth, thanks to a $500,000 commitment from Development West Coast and land donated by the Grey District Council.
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Major sporting facilities
DWC provides $14.1m in funding towards major sporting facilities across the region.
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Reefton Powerhouse project
DWC support is a “game-changer” for the Reefton Powerhouse project.
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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.
Great Futures Tour West Coast
Productive People, in partnership with Development West Coast, brought the Great Futures West Coast Tour to high schools across the region. The Tour highlighted the huge array of career opportunities available via vocational pathways.
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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.
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Internships bring young Coasters home for the summer
The West Coast is working together to retain its youth with tertiary scholarships and internships.
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Support for Life Education Trust West Coast
Support from DWC enabled Life Education Trust West Coast to replace their aging mobile classroom.
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DWC 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.
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Support 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.
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Educational 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.
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BP Business Challenge
Support from DWC ensures students across the West Coast could participate in BP Business Challenge.
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Toki Pounamu
Funding from DWC has helped Toki Pounamu provide over 2,500 Chromebooks to students.
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