News

Waipu-based timber manufacturer Northpine has notched up 20 years in business, and is marking this significant milestone by establishing a $20,000 fund for use within the Bream Bay community.

To be known as the ‘Stronger Communities’ programme, applications will be considered by an assessment team  four times a year, with the first grants to be made in the first week of April 2020.

Announcing the programme, Northpine’s general manager Bruce Larsen said the company already contributes significantly to the local community, not just as a key employer but through sponsorship of local sport, recreation, arts and education.

“There are countless activities and events going on in Bream Bay all the time. Northpine is often approached to help in one way or another, so we thought the best way to help is to establish a new funding programme that is quite separate from our long-term principal sponsorships (like Waipu Rugby Club and the Gifted and Talented programme in local schools). 

“The Stronger Communities programme aims to help not-for-profit (NFP) activities, projects and causes that enhance local life in some way. Grants will be in the range of $250 up to a maximum of $1500.”

Application Forms will be available on Northpine’s website (www.northpine.co.nz) and should be submitted for consideration well in advance of the planned activity, as the first recipients will be notified and announced in the first week of April, then in early July, October and January. The close-off date for applications for the first round of grants will be 16 March.

Mr Larsen added that Northpine’s business ethos includes a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of local life.

“The best way we can do that is to lead by example. We take our community responsibilities very seriously. This new funding programme is an excellent way to give back to the people of Bream Bay by helping them achieve good things.” 
‍

Click here to download the Stronger Communities Funding Application Form

‍

Note:

Northpine Ltd was established in August 1999 by Bruce Larsen, Richard Wilson and Keith Reay from the run-down assets of the Waipu Timber Company. The firm currently employs about 65 people at the sawmill in Waipu and operates a distribution centre at Silverdale.