NEWS AND UPDATES

2010 KIDS BIKE JAM SERIES

NZCT was proud to sponsor the 2010 Kids Bike Jam series which ran between March and May this year. Hundreds of kids throughout the country enjoyed these fun mountain biking events. It's a great series - and fun for all involved!

GAMBLING POLICY SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCILS

NZCT has recently prepared Gambling Policy submissions for Wellington City Council, New Plymouth District Council, Hutt City Council, Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, Hamilton City Council and South Taranaki District Council. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our submissions.

GST SUBMISSION

A report by KPMG, commissioned by NZCT and two other large trusts, shows that if no relief is offered to the sector, the increase in GST to 15% will result in a reduction in community funding of $15 million. As well as this, the sector will have $3m less to pay in venue expenses. KPMG have proposed a solution that maintains the status quo. In essence, the Government should reduce the duty levy from 20% to 18.1% of gross machine profit (GMP) and increase the venue payment limit to 16.4%.

Read our GST submission to find out more about the proposed solution.

NZCT PUBLICANS' CONFERENCE POSTPONED

It is with regret that NZCT announces the postponement of its Publicans' Conference at SKYCITY which was to take place on 29 June 2010.

IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS

NZCT recently undertook a review of the criteria, methods, systems and policies it uses for considering the distribution of net proceeds. There is one change grant applicants need to be aware of.

PLAYGROUND PARADISE

Lunchtime just got a lot happier for the 46 children who attend Okoia School – after six years of waiting, a playground has finally been built for them.

EQUESTRIAN EXCITEMENT

Between 23 – 25 April 2010, the NZCT Eventing Canterbury FEI Three Day South Island Eventing Championship was held at the National Equestrian Centre at McLean's Island. During the same weekend, for the first time ever, the "Young Rider Trans Tasman Challenge" was held at McLean Island, and Eventing Canterbury says NZCT funding helped make both events possible.

IT'S ALL IN THE TIMING

Auckland Swimming, New Zealand’s largest regional swimming association is soon to be the proud new owner of several new touch pads thanks to a $10,000 grant from NZCT. The Omega timing pads, imported directly from the manufacturer in Switzerland will allow Auckland Swimming to continue accurately recording race times and determine the winner of competitions which are often incredibly close. The new pads were put to use for the first time during the Auckland Open Championships, which was held at Henderson’s West Wave Aquatic Centre, between 11- 14 March.

USA RIDERS WIN NZCT WOMEN'S TOUR

The 2010 NZCT Women's Tour of New Zealand plays a key role in women's cycling. Held at the end of February, it is the only women's international race to be held in Oceania this year, and carries an International Cycling Union (UCI) rating of 2.2. The USA national team’s Shelley Evans claimed the NZCT Women’s Tour of New Zealand overall victory. This was her debut entry in an UCI ranked stage race.

VENUE ENHANCEMENT SUBMISSION

We recently sent a submission to the Department of Internal Affairs about its proposed changes to venue enhancements. Our publicans and other interested parties may like to read it.

PROPOSED VENUE PAYMENT CHANGES

In 2009 NZCT and many of our venue operators provided submissions to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) about proposed changes to venue cost schedules. The department has reviewed the feedback it received and its response is posted here.

THANKS NZCT

Nearly every day NZCT gets a thank you letter from a happy grant recipient. Here are a few we've recently received.

SAILORS' COMFORT STOP

The Paralympics New Zealand National Championships were held in Wellington in early November. Several sports are involved, but this is the first eyar sailing has been included. Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club (EBYMBC) is coordinating the sailing regatta. EBYMBC has been a long-time supporter of sailors with disabilities.

KAIAPOI SOFTBALLERS CAN'T STOP SMILING

You just can’t keep the smiles off the faces of Kaiapoi Softball Club (KSC) members. This week the 108-strong club received brand new uniforms of black and gold tops and black knickerbockers, all thanks to a $7000 grant from NZCT (New Zealand Community Trust).

ROTORUA SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NEW UNIFORMS

The children of Aorangi Primary School in Western Heights have just received a special delivery - new miniball and netball uniforms - thanks to a $5000 grant from NZCT (New Zealand Community Trust).

AIMS GAMES A SPORTING SUCCESS

In early September, the NZCT AIMS Games were held in Tauranga. During this action –packed week, more than 3000 year seven and eight students, from 88 schools, participated in 13 sports. The objective was to provide opportunities for students in the middle years to be active, celebrate fair play and enjoy success.

WYNRS SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The NZCT WYNRS National Tournament 2009 took place on 13-14 September at Waikaraka Park, Auckland. The soccer tournament, the brainchild of All Whites legend Wynton Rufer, is in its eighth year and is growing from strength to strength. The aim is to encourage and develop young people to play soccer and develop their ball skills.