Tēnā koutou, kā rūnaka o Kāi Tahu south of the Waitaki. The Methodist Pūtea Grant is now open for applications to projects being undertaken by Kāi Tahu rūnaka and whānau with a focus on religion, heritage and culture.
Historical Background
The Methodist Pūtea Grant came into effect as a result of the significant historical relationship that exists between Kāi Tahu whānau and the Methodist Church of New Zealand (MCNZ). This is especially so at Ōtākou, when in the 1990’s, the MCNZ returned ownership of the Ōtākou Memorial Church to Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou (TRO) and also made a koha of $210,000 arising from the proceeds of the sale of property at Kawarau Falls.
This capital asset is protected and income generated from investment is administered by the Methodist Pūtea Komiti (MPK) and applied to grants benefiting Kāi Tahu rūnaka and whānau.
The Methodist Pūtea Komiti
The komiti is currently made up from Ōtākou and Puketeraki rūnaka and a member of MCNZ. The MPK has the discretionary right of TRO to make final decisions on merit and reports to the AGM of TRO. The MPK meets each April to administer the grants process.
All applicants are informed that their application has been received and are notified of the outcome. Grant payments are made by the 30 June of the same year. An unsuccessful applicant may reapply in the future when an appropriate category is offered.
The MPK commenced in 2004 and to date has granted a total amount of $54,700.00. In 2013, the MPK was pleased to grant the first application for assistance for theological studies, to a Kāi Tahu student affiliated to Waihōpai Rūnaka. There is only one funding round per year and while there are five categories that are focused on religion, heritage and culture, the komiti may offer two categories each year on a rotating basis, and may only identify two successful applicants in any year.
Invitation to make an application to the Methodist Pūtea Grant 2014
This year the two categories under which applications can be made are:
- Provide financial assistance for the upkeep of church building attached to Kāi Tahu marae and/or rūnaka.
- Provide financial assistance for the upkeep of urupā attached to Kāi Tahu marae and/or rūnaka.
Who can apply?
- Ngāi Tahu rūnanga (Kāi Tahu rūnaka) located south of the Waitaki:
Te Rūnanga o Moeraki; Kāti Huirapa Rūnanga ki Puketeraki; Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Inc; Hokonui Rūnaka Inc; Waihōpai Rūnaka Inc; Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka; Awarua Rūnanga. - Individual applications shall be considered from Kāi Tahu members affiliated with any of the above rūnanga, and must be endorsed in writing by their rūnanga.
Please apply by completing the application form, and supplying supporting documentation as requested.
Applications close 4pm, 31 March 2014 and should be addressed to Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, at the above address, or emailed to the Administrator, Glenys Russell, [email protected] att: Methodist Pūtea Komiti. If you have any queries or concerns don’t hesitate to contact us here at the Ōtākou office on 03 478 0352.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Nō reira. Nāhaku noa, nā Rachel Wesley, Manager.