A fund aimed at encouraging innovation is helping finance a food rescue service in Christchurch, a tool library in Lyttelton, and a pest control initiative in Little River.
The three innovative projects are among more than 32 projects to have received grants from Christchurch City Council’s Innovation and Sustainability Fund since it was set up in September 2017.
"Christchurch is a city of opportunity and we want to be able to support the group and businesses in our community who have great ideas about how things can be done differently – and more sustainably. The city has a clear carbon neutral goal that it's working towards, so innovations that help lead towards that are especially welcome," says Cr Vicki Buck, who chairs the Council’s Innovation and Sustainability Committee.
“Through the Innovation and Sustainability Fund we have given out $860,000 worth of grants to a wide range of projects that are making a difference in our communities and in our environment.’’
Projects that have received funding to date include:
Council Head of Urban Design, Urban Regeneration and Heritage, Carolyn Ingles, says the projects that have received funding were all chosen because of their potential to deliver tangible and long-lasting public benefits to Christchurch.
“We’re delighted by the calibre of applications coming through and constantly impressed by the innovative ideas people are coming up with. Our city is full of creative thinkers who want to make a positive difference and help make Christchurch a flourishing, vibrant city to live, work and play in,’’ Ms Ingles says.
“We welcome applications from community organisations, social enterprises, education and business groups at any point in the year. Preference will be given to Christchurch-based organisations or partnerships involving Christchurch organisations.
“Applicants will need to demonstrate how their project meets the fund’s criteria and how it aligns with the Council’s strategic vision and priorities,'' Ms Ingles says.
To find out more about the funded projects or to apply to the fund visit www.ccc.govt.nz/innovatefund.