Community Boards distribute cash to community groups

The Far North’s three Community Boards have distributed almost $145,000 since July to sporting, cultural and community groups.

In September, Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board granted Whangaroa Community Trust committee $30,000 towards a shade structure for Kāeo playground. In its funding application, Whangaroa Community Trust said the playground is a popular picnic and gathering area for families and visitors. However, playground equipment was often too hot to use at the height of summer. The new shade sails will encourage people to stay longer and to make use of the playground, picnic area and other surrounding facilities, like the shops and museum during their visit.

Te Hiku Community Board assisted the Kaitāia Business Association (KBA), which received $6,000 towards maintaining the town’s CCTV system. KBA Chairperson, Andrea Panther, says the town’s security system was installed to help deter criminal activity. However, it requires regular upkeep and maintenance.

A $4316 grant from Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board will help Hokianga Community Education Trust improve walking tracks in the area to encourage more visitors and positively impact Hokianga businesses.

Other Community Board funding decisions since July include:

Te Hiku Community Board:

• $4,107 to Kaitāia College for arts expo – dance production
• $3,000 to Far North Joyfest 2022
• $3,000 to Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust for Youthline support
• $2,500 to Northland Floral Art Society NZ for the Designer of the Year competition and show
• $2,214 to Friends of Rangikapiti Reserve for signage
• $1,304 to Te Whakaora Tangata for venue hire
• $1,080 to Awanui Sports Complex Inc for flood prevention
• $788 to Mangōnui Lions for the Mangōnui Fun Run.

Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board:

• $5,119 to Hush Dance Studio for the Dance Showcase and Dinner
• $4,724 towards costs for three students attending Outward Bound with the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs
• $4,098 to South Hokianga War Memorial Hall towards purchase of an AED defibrillator
• $3,235 costs for the Hokianga Country Music Festival 2021
• $3,000 to Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust for costs towards Youthline
• $1,785 to Ngā Mahi Toi o Hōreke for installation of murals along Te Pou Herenga Cycle Trail
• $1,500 to Pioneer Village Kaikohe for its 2021 Halloween event
• $1,000 to Kaikohe and Districts Sportsville for Māori Warden monitoring of Penney Crescent parking
• $425 to Ōkaihau Community Association for town sign repairs.

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board:

• $10,000 to Our Kerikeri Community Charitable Trust to purchase a permanent Christmas tree
• $10,000 to Kawakawa Hundertwasser Charitable Trust
• $7,500 to Kerikeri Gymnastics Club for venue hire
• $5,325 to Northern Community Family Services for budget advice and advocacy services
• $5,000 to Te Puna Aroha for Moerewa Christmas 2021
• $4,000 to Henry & William Williams Memorial Museum Trust development of Place, Faith & Family
• $3,077 to Kawakawa Hundertwasser Charitable Trust for Te Hononga Booking Office project
• $3,000 to Bay of Islands Walkways and Walking Trust for Russell to Ōkiato pathway signage
• $3,000 to Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust for costs towards Youthline
• $2,750 to Tōwai Community Market for costs towards a gazebo
• $2,485 to Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival for transport and promotion
• $2,397 to Ngāti Rahiri Māori Komiti for Te Tii Carols in the Park.

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