Community groups celebrate funding boost

Seven organisations received a slice of more than $13,000 in grants from the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board during its meeting on 22 November.

The biggest winners were Kairākau Ārahi, which received $4000 and the Kaikohe A&P Show, which was granted $3000.

Kairākau Ārahi is a Kaikohe-based projects company that organised a wraparound service event at Ngāwha Innovation & Enterprise Park last week. It brought together the local community, whānau, service providers, non-government and government organisations, trusts, contractors, businesses, hapū, and iwi to discuss the needs of vulnerable community members and create a starting point to connect key services and providers to those who need support as well as community planning for the future.

The funding for the Kaikohe A&P Show, to be held on 20 January 2024, will go towards making children’s rides and activities free for children aged under 12. Organisers want to offer a “fun day for families, not an expensive one”.

Ōhaeawai-Taiamai Residents and Ratepayers Association was granted $1000 for the community’s annual Christmas event. It takes place on Saturday 9 December from 9.30am-2pm at the Ōhaeawai Rugby Club and aims to mark the end of the year, the start of summer, and to enjoy the fun of the festive season. Prizes will also be handed out for the annual Christmas letterbox decoration competition.

The Life Education Trust received $1500 to help take its Healthy Harold programme to more remote communities in the Kaikohe-Hokianga area in 2024. Its mobile education classroom visits schools to educate tamariki on food and nutrition, biology, relationships and communities, and identity and resilience.

Cruz’n the Bayz was granted $1500 by the board for its classic car and bike event from 7-10 March 2024 at the Waitangi Sports Grounds. Originating in 2023 in the Bay of Islands, organisers aim to bring the event to other areas across the Far North.

Ngāpuhi Hokianga Kite Raki was granted $2450 for the Xmas in the Park 2023 event held at Umawera Primary School grounds involving schools from Umawera, Mangamuka, Hōreke, and Broadwood.

Manaki Tinana Trust - Hokianga Community Gym received $1040 to cover venue hire costs at Rāwene Hall for a senior exercise class. The class, for women aged over 50, meets twice a week. The women are all gym members, but the group classes must take place in another location due to a lack of space in the gym.

Photo: Community board funding will subsidise children’s activities at the Kaikohe A&P Show.