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Ōrewa Sea Scouts applied for a grant from the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board that its application stated was needed to keep the group’s programmes afloat.
The sea scouts applied for $10,000 to purchase new equipment – helmets, which are needed for sailing and climbing; tents and ultra-high frequency radio equipment (UHF).
In their application, the sea scouts noted that the programme they are currently providing would have to stop if they are not able to update their equipment to meet new safety standards.
Group leader Astrid Lopez says as well as replacing lifejackets and purchasing new tents, helmets are needed as they are a new requirement for sailing.
“Some regattas may now require that helmets are worn, and Scouts Aotearoa is in the process of updating its water safety rules, which may mean helmets need to be worn while sailing starting next year,” Astrid says.
In addition, new badges have become available which include climbing – in this programme helmets are a critical safety requirement.
After workshop discussions, the local board members had opted to grant only $1000, however at the board’s business meeting on August 18, this was adjusted to $8000 after a request by member Andy Dunn.
“Health and safety regulations have changed, and to comply the sea scouts will incur massive costs,” Dunn said. “We need to give them more money to keep them buoyant.”
A majority of members then voted to raise the amount of the grant.
The sea scouts stated in their application that they are doing additional fundraising to get all their gear up to date. This includes work needed on boats, lifejackets that are coming to the end of their life and other maintenance on their facilities.
Other grants: Other recipients of Local Grants (round one) included: Friends of Okura Bush for weed control management – $8000; The Pink and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation Trust $2000 towards therapy and rehabilitation work; The Vine Community Church Charitable Trust $5000 towards Christmas on the Canal 2022 and Gulf Harbour Easter, 2023; Silverdale Tennis Club, $2000 for equipment; Silverdale Squash Club $3000 for external defibrillator and first aid training; 2021 Softball Ltd, $4000 for softball kits and transport for Ōrewa Beach School and others; Hibiscus Coast Association Football Club, $2000 for equipment. • The Transitional rates grants 2022/23 round included: Nippon Judo Club, $2851 • Girl Guides Association NZ $3387. • Business Whangaparāoa received $15,000 in the Local Economic and Business Development Grants Round.
