More than $1 million is being pumped into Bay of Plenty organisations to boost services and events that will benefit the community.
The New Zealand Communities Trust has this month distributed a total of $1,131,781.11 from Bay of Plenty gaming venues, with the five biggest contributions being made to three councils and two sporting organisations.
The Rotorua District Council received $263,100 for the redevelopment of Te Aka Mauri Play Precinct, Tauranga City Council received $191,681 to be spent on removing the existing athletics track at the Tauranga Domain and King of the Mountain and Woodfest Championships, run by Kawerau District Council, will receive a boost of $69,000.
Sport Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust will use it's funding of $97,617 towards audio-visual services and the salaries of two staff and the Tauranga City Basketball Association received $50,000, which will be used towards the salary of a development officer.
National grants manager Ben Hodges said the trust was "passionate about helping Kiwis, particularly our young people participate in sport", which was why the athletics track at Tauranga Domain would be re-laid.