Over $80,000 is available to support Makara community projects in the next round of funding from Meridian Energy’s West Wind Community Fund.

Over $5,000 was granted in May to support a project that will green the main street of Makara Beach. “We’ve been planting along the main street for the last few years, but the vegetation has taken a battering from our strong coastal winds” says Rebecca Wilson, Chair of local group The Makaracarpas. “The plan is to install a number of boulders, which will act as wind breaks for the plants, and really improve the look of the beachfront. Meridian’s support is much appreciated – we would not have been able to complete the project without it” says Rebecca.

Meridianhas also confirmed its $20,000 support for a solar-powered access repeater that will enable many residents to wirelessly connect to Makara Model School’s fast broadband connection. “We’re excited to see this project progressing” says David Wutzler, project facilitator. “High-speed broadband will make such a difference to our community – we’ve been really struggling with the current dial-up service” says David.

“Supporting the communities we work in is very important to us” says Russell Thomas, Meridian’s Wind Maintenance Manager and acting Chair of the West Wind Community Fund. “The Community Fund model works well because it assists projects that are genuinely needed. I encourage Makara residents to start thinking about submitting their community projects for the next round of allocations in October” says Russell.

The West Wind Community Fund has been running since 2010, allocating almost $120,000 to a wide range of sustainable community development initiatives in Makara, South Makara, Makara Beach and Takarau Gorge.

Supported projects include environmental conservation, volunteer emergency services, schools, and heritage restoration. Funding allocations are managed by a panel of community representatives and Meridian staff.