Supporting, promoting and encouraging the growth of our rural community.
Upper Clutha A&P Society Sheep Yards at the 2024 Wanaka A&P Show

Foundation

Investing in Our Rural Future

The Wānaka A&P Foundation, funded by the Upper Clutha A&P Society, is committed to supporting the growth of the Upper Clutha district. Through our grants, we invest in building leadership and capability and supporting the future development and well-being of our rural sector.

Applications for 2026 are now closed.
Applications for 2027 will open in July 2026. 

Upper Clutha A&P Society Our Place Trade Site at the 2024 Wanaka A&P Show

We offer two grants:

  • Capability Development Grant – for individuals in the Upper Clutha region developing skills in leadership, agriculture, sustainability, and future thinking.

  • Rural Development & Well-being Grant – for non-profit groups working on projects that support environmental protection, sustainable practices, community infrastructure, and local economic resilience.

Grant Recipients 2026

image002

Wānaka A&P Foundation Winter Crop Competition – $5,000

Encouraging excellence in crop production while fostering community engagement and friendly competition among local farmers.
Women's Health Bus

Women’s Health Bus – $5,000

Delivering accessible health services to women in rural communities, ensuring ongoing support for well-being across the region.
Hawea True Right Track

Upper Clutha Tracks Trust – Hawea True Right River Track

Contributing to the development of a new community walking and riding track, enhancing recreational opportunities and connection to the land.
2024 Christmas (16)

Community Link – $5,000

Supporting the delivery of local social services and resources that strengthen families and individuals across the Upper Clutha.
Luggate Action Group

Luggate Catchment Group – $5,000

Assisting local environmental projects focused on water quality, biodiversity, and sustainable land management.
Hawea Catchment Group

Lake Hāwea Catchment Group – $5,000

Backing community-led initiatives to protect and enhance native biodiversity of the Hāwea catchment.
HempCentral Photo_hemp fieldlandscape

Tanya Simmonds – Hemp Central Limited – $5,000

Supporting Tanya’s work in developing sustainable hemp-based construction products and contributing to the region’s growing innovation in agricultural diversification.
Gene-marker-lab_edited

Claudia Paterson – Attending Lincoln Animal Breeding/Genetics – $5,000

Enabling Claudia to further her studies in animal breeding and genetics, helping bring advanced knowledge and skills back to the local farming community.
Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring College Scholarship – $5,000

Awarded to support a Mt Aspiring College student (or shared between two students) pursuing further education or training in the agricultural or rural sector.
Winter crop (1)

Wānaka A&P Winter Crop Competition

Organised by the Rotary Club of Wānaka and backed by the Wānaka A&P Foundation, this event highlights the often-unsung work that goes into producing quality winter feed. It’s a chance to recognise farmers growing strong, resilient crops and managing land with care and consistency through the colder months.

Supporting this competition is a natural extension of the Foundation’s purpose – strengthening our rural sector through leadership development, skill-building, and long-term community investment.

Proceeds from the 2025 competition distributed to the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Fire Brigades of Luggate, Hāwea, and Wānaka – critical services that support our region year-round.

Grant Recipients 2025

Screenshot 2025-04-24 at 3.48.42 PM

Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group – $10,000

This community-led non-profit, established in 2022, is tackling the spread of exotic wilding trees in the Wānaka and Hāwea areas.
IMG_8342-690x400

Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust – $5,000

Providing essential support to families in the Upper Clutha area, helping children access the medical care they need.
DSC04425-scaled

WAI Wānaka on behalf of Mount Aspiring College – $5,000

Supporting MAC’s sustainability curriculum in Term 1, fostering students’ connection to the rural and agricultural community.
Screenshot 2025-04-24 at 3.58.22 PM

Matt Walker – $5,000

Matt will participate in the Rabobank Executive Development Programme, expanding his leadership, innovation, and commercial skills in farming.

Stay in the loop

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about Wānaka A&P highlights, key dates, and all the happenings.