At SkyCity Queenstown Community Trust, we believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and shared purpose. Our ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives continues to deliver meaningful outcomes across Queenstown, Glenorchy, Wānaka. Since our inception in 1996 we have invested over $2.7M. In FY25, we’re proud to have invested in a diverse range of community-focused programmes that empower individuals, support families, and nurture the wellbeing of future generations. We are proud to highlight some of the impact our funding is enabling for our partners.

Glenorchy Playgroup and Kōwhai Valley Crèche: Supporting Early Childhood Development

With our funding and local support, Glenorchy Playgroup has enhanced its role as a vital charitable organisation providing a dedicated space for early learning and social development for children aged 0–5. The successful opening of Kōwhai Valley Crèche on January 27th marked a major milestone—offering 36 weekly spaces for young children in the region. This project is a shining example of community effort, made possible through the dedication of locals and businesses.

Kōwhai Valley Crèche now stands as a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together. It offers a warm, nurturing environment for Glenorchy’s youngest tamariki and reflects the power of shared vision and commitment.

Lightfoot Initiative: Paving the Way for Sustainable Travel

The Lightfoot Initiative is on a mission to change the way people move in the Whakatipu Basin. By promoting shared and active travel, the initiative encourages healthier, more sustainable transport choices. In FY25, we were proud to support three of their cycling programmes tailored to tamariki, migrant women, and seniors.

The “Little Pedallers” programme has already introduced 94 local tamariki to cycling, with a remarkable 90% achieving independent riding. Upcoming programmes include a dedicated cycling initiative for migrant wāhine and Hīko Haere—an e-bike loan and training programme designed to empower seniors with greater mobility and independence. Together, these efforts are building more inclusive, connected communities.

Wakatipu Youth Trust: Mentoring for a Brighter Future

We’ve proudly partnered with the Wakatipu Youth Trust (WYT) since FY20, supporting their evolving youth mentoring programme. In FY25, our continued investment will help WYT provide one-on-one mentoring for over 30 rangatahi, in collaboration with all nine schools in the region and local social services.

This programme focuses on empowering young people to succeed by supporting their mental, physical, psychological, and cultural wellbeing. It’s about walking alongside rangatahi, helping them to build resilience and reach their full potential.

Kāhu Youth Trust: Early Intervention and Support for At-Risk Rangatahi

Since 2021, our partnership with Kāhu Youth Trust has helped deliver transformative support for rangatahi facing significant challenges. From the “Mind Matters” programme focused on mental health to one-on-one mentoring for youth dealing with trauma and disengagement, each initiative is rooted in early intervention.

In FY25, our funding helped Kāhu Youth bring on a specialised Social Worker to assist rangatahi with complex needs. Over the next year, this professional support will benefit 10–15 young people—providing life-changing care at a critical time in their development.

KiwiHarvest: Fighting Food Insecurity with Fresh Solutions

Since its founding in 2012, KiwiHarvest has rescued nearly 16 million kilograms of food—equivalent to over 35 million meals—distributing it to 235 charitable organisations across Aotearoa. In Queenstown, our support over the past two years has helped KiwiHarvest deliver approximately 6,100 meals to 765 people each week.

Their work not only addresses immediate food needs but also contributes to a long-term goal: ensuring every person in Aotearoa has access to enough nutritious food, every day. It’s a mission we are deeply proud to support.

Community Networks/LINK: Building Resilient, Connected Communities

Community Networks/LINK continues to serve as a central hub for the Upper Clutha region, providing vital social services and fostering community connection. Our support since FY22 has helped fund subsidised counselling, food security initiatives, and enhanced access to social services.

In FY25, our investment supports their goal of increasing accessibility to welfare resources and ensuring that every individual in the Upper Clutha has the support needed to thrive.

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Our Ongoing Commitment

The projects and partnerships we’ve supported this year reflect what matters most—people. Whether it’s helping a child take their first steps into education, guiding a young person toward a brighter future, or ensuring a whānau has food on the table, our investments are driven by the belief that strong, supported communities create lasting change.