Seven Bay of Islands - Whangaroa Community groups celebrate funding

Seven community groups will be celebrating after the Bay of Islands - Whangaroa Community Board granted them a share of more than $27,000 in funding during its 19 September meeting.

The Graham Dingle Foundation was granted $5000 towards the Nga Ara Whetu programme being delivered to 146 rangatahi at Bay of Islands College in 2025.

Its aim is to strengthen the self-identity, community connections and life skills of rangatahi to support their future pathways. The programme uses hands-on experiential learning opportunities, personal connections, positive interactions with local employers and mentoring.

Foster Hope Charitable Trust was granted $2000 towards a style evening with Stacey Beatson. Foster Hope supplies backpacks for children transitioning into care, often at short notice. They are holding a fundraising evening, which has been supported by the local community.

Other community groups to receive funding for events are:

• $5680 to Hidden Pocket Production –towards the costs of the musical Flock!
• $5000 to Business Bay of Islands for the 2024 Paihia Christmas Parade
• $4000 to The Centre – This is us here now community art project
• $3750 to Te Kura o Hato Hohepa te Kāmura – Whangaroa Arts Festival 2024
• $2000 to Piri Wiremu Mokeno Games 2024 for equipment hire.

The next Bay of Islands - Whangaroa Community Board meeting will be held on Thursday 24 October at The Turner Centre. It can be watched live on the council’s Facebook and YouTube pages from 10am.