Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Grant $85,000 to Conservation Projects

Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Funds have announced their 2025 Impact Grant recipients, distributing a combined $85,505 to 12 local organisations working to protect and regenerate the natural environment across the Upper Clutha and Whakatipu regions. Funded by donations from local businesses, industry partners, and visitors, these grants reflect a growing commitment to regenerative tourism and long-term environmental stewardship in the Queenstown Lakes District. This year’s funding supports initiatives led by Te Kākano Aotearoa, Plastic Free Wānaka, Planetary Accounting Network, WAI Wānaka, Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies, Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust, Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, and Friends of Bullock Creek. The grants will enable a mix of native habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, predator control, waste reduction, wetland protection, and community engagement projects across the region. Beyond these grants, a further $19,000 has been invested into the Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown endowment funds, creating long-term financial resilience to support conservation and regeneration for decades to come. Community Fund Coordinator Ash Bickley says this approach reflects a powerful, collective effort: “These grants are about more than funding – they represent a community working together for the future of our rohe / region. Businesses, visitors, and locals are helping to fuel these everyday projects, while also building systems and partnerships that will deliver long-term change. That’s what makes this mahi so powerful.” Jennifer Belmont, CEO of the 45 South Community Foundation, adds: “These initiatives ensure that local environmental work is not just supported this year, but for generations to come. Today’s grants make a real difference on the ground, and the long-term investment means that difference will last.” Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown extend a heartfelt thank you to all donors, partners, and community members who make this mahi possible. Looking ahead, the initiatives are excited to continue growing their impact, with plans to expand funding rounds, engage more local businesses and visitors, and support new initiatives that tackle emerging environmental challenges across the district. To learn more about the projects or support future funding rounds, visit lovewanaka.co.nz or https://www.loveqt.co.nz