Cash for community projects

Far North community boards have shared more than $140,000 among community groups, sports organisations, animal welfare advocates, and youth since May.

Moerewa’s Simson Park Hall Committee received the biggest slice of the total after Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board granted $40,270 towards the committee’s renovation project during its 3 June meeting. The committee will use the contribution to replace the roof of Simson Hall. In its funding application, the committee said it wanted to create an affordable events venue for whānau to develop connections and belonging. “For a poverty-stricken area, this venue is an integral part of our community,” it said.

Another big winner was Kerikeri Sports Complex which received $15,000 towards a new community playground at its Heritage Bypass facility. The complex is shared by the Kerikeri Netball Club and Kerikeri Rugby Club but will eventually include Kerikeri Squash Club facilities. The community playground will cater to the growing residential population, as well as those using the complex.

Other Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board funding decisions since May include:

• $3000 to Bay of Islands College to support 30 students attending the Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Tūrangi in August
• $3784 to Hapori Aquatics towards heating and upgrading facilities at Te Papawai Community Pool in Kawkawa
• $3000 to Kerikeri Football Club for a container to store sports and maintenance equipment
• $2958 to Kerikeri Gymnastics to fit out its new facilities.
• $20,000 to Bay of Islands Animal Rescue for its desexing and vaccination programme
• $10,000 to Kerikeri Theatre Company for its production of The Sound of Music from 7-11 July.

Meanwhile, Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board has granted Bay of Islands Canine Association $2580 towards community dog training classes. The organisation aims to help dog owners learn about dog ownership and training at a low cost.

Since May the board has also allocated: 

• $15,000 to the ĀKAU Foundation for the annual Bling Bling Toi Marama light festival. The Board allocated $7500 for this year’s event in July, with another $7500 for the 2022/23 Matariki Festival.
• $10,000 to the ĀKAU Foundation for its Te Reo Māori on the Streets programme.
• $1500 for the Hokianga Treks 4 Kids Trust to clear its horse trekking track
• $2450 to Ōmanaia Marae for new furniture following a recent upgrade to its facilities.

Finally, on 1 June, Te Hiku Community Board granted $10,000 to Mangōnui Rugby Football Union for its centenary commemorations in July. A celebration weekend is planned with two games on 24 July. Mangōnui and Bay of Islands senior rep teams will play a curtain-raiser to the Bunnings NPC Northland - North Harbour pre-season match.

Kaitāia Eco Centre also received $5000 for its CUE programme (Community Upcycling for the Environment). The group runs workshops on repairing, reusing and recycling textiles from homes, sewing, business skills and selling products through its shop.

For further information about Community Board funding and how to apply, visit the Community Board funding page on the FNDC website.