Supporting our community
Port Otago supports its community through financial contributions, in-kind support and our community containers.
Our sponsorships target:
- Our harbour community
- Water-based sports
- Water safety
- Our kaimahi.
During 2024/25, we supported 69 organisations, through 125 active sponsorships.
Financial contributions
Our most significant financial contributions during the year were:
- Port Chalmers Maritime Museum
- Orokonui Ecosanctuary
- Dunedin Marine Search and Rescue
- Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature.
In-kind support
Funding swimming lessons for local primary schools each year is our largest in-kind sponsorship.
Drawing on in-house expertise, our Infrastructure team helped with repairs to the Port Chalmers Primary School’s boat ramp and we also underwrote the local school holiday programme, so it could plan well in advance.
Jodi Taylor oversees Port Otago’s sponsorships and initiated the “swim school” idea five years ago. Up to 300 children receive about 20 group lessons across the year.
“It’s fantastic to see so many tamariki gaining genuine confidence in the water. Covering the lessons’ costs is one of our favourite community sponsorships. It removes any financial barriers that might impact children's ability to be safe in the water. And it also brings the children a lot of joy.”
Sawyers Bay School Principal Gareth Swete says students make consistent, effective swimming progress year on year. “Children right across West Harbour have the very best opportunity to develop essential swimming and water safety skills. We are surrounded by some of the most incredible water in the world and, with thousands of recreational opportunities right at our doorstep, our children need the skills to stay safe. Thanks Port Otago.”
Community containers
Fifty-two Port Otago community containers are now out in our wider Otago community. During the past year, 12 containers were distributed to 10 recipients: Waikouaiti Riding for the Disabled, Central Otago Community Hospice, Coastguard Dunedin, Football South, St Leonards School, Food Equity and Education St Clair, Cargill Enterprises, Waldronville Clay Club, Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society and Queens High School Girls’ Shed.
