$1.3m given to agencies

A $10,000 grant will help an orchestra which formed 66 years ago keep playing for at least the next five.

The New Plymouth Orchestra was one of 33 organisations to share in community funding worth around $1.3 million from the city council.

Anne Bovett, president of the orchestra, said they were grateful to the New Plymouth District Council and added it was great council recognised the importance of the arts and understood the orchestra could help contribute to the vibrancy of the city.

‘‘It’s wonderful, it gives us stability and confidence so we can keep operating,’’ Bovett said.

Bovett said the orchestra comprised around 35-40 people of all ages, from adults to school students.

The NPDC’s Community Funding Investment Committee made awards to 33 organisations, either as one-off grants or multi-year payments.

Community organisations cried foul in 2015 when the council slashed funding by $200,000, warning that it would have a devastating effect on them.

After attempts to get the money reinstated, funding was increased by $100,000 earlier this year.

Other groups to benefit included New Plymouth’s Dress for Success, which received $17,000.

The charity aims to help women find employment, gain confidence and achieve financial independence by lending them clothing to attend work and interviews.

Co-ordinator Lorraine Webber said the grant meant they could keep the doors open longer.

‘‘Getting this grant is fantastic and a big sigh of relief,’’ Webber said

Committee chair Harry Duynhoven said there were more applications than funds available, but it was inspiring to see so many organisations achieving positive outcomes for the people of New Plymouth.