Funding boost for Waimate Rodeo Club
Community groups across Mid and South Canterbury have shared more than $100,000 in the latest funding round from the Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury - including support for one of Waimate’s key events.
At its March meeting, the Trust approved $101,587 across nine organisations, backing practical upgrades and community projects across the region.
For Waimate, $10,000 has been awarded to the Waimate Rodeo Club for new gazebos.
The funding will help improve conditions for volunteers and members who run one of the district’s long-standing events.
A big crowd lined the embankment for the Waimate Rodeo in February 2026.
This year’s Waimate Rodeo, held in February, drew a strong crowd to the Southern Canterbury A&P Showgrounds.
Rodeo Club secretary Andrea Harborne was among those competing, in fact it was a family affair. She lined up the barrel racing alongside her children Scarlett, Louella and Dustin. Her husband Nye competed in the team roping, with Dustin also taking on the junior steer riding.
Harborne said the sun shone and everything ran smoothly, with a big turnout making the most of the club’s expanded embankment.
“It was a great community event with plenty of local riders involved”, she said.
She said the funding for gazebos will support volunteers and members behind the scenes, while also lifting the overall presentation of the event.
“Our club is always looking at ways to improve the event and the facilities so we can put on a really good day.”
Andrea (right) and Scarlett Harborne (second from right) line up for the grand entry at this year’s event.
Across the wider region, the funding round covered a broad mix of projects.
That included equipment for a pony club event in Ashburton, replacement doors for a local hall, upgrades to a walking track and picnic area in Kimbell, and bedding replacements at a ski club lodge.
In South Canterbury, funding also supported a predator trapping project in the Te Moana Gorge, a new nature play space at the Eco Centre, heating for a family support service, and repairs and resurfacing work at a squash club.
The Trust says its focus remains on helping local organisations deliver services and activities that benefit their communities.
Not-for-profit groups across Mid and South Canterbury can apply to the Trust for funding support.
Grants typically cover practical items that make a real difference - equipment, facility upgrades, community spaces, environmental projects, and initiatives that support local people.