Local events get financial boost from Kaikohe-Hokianga board

More than $7000 in funding from Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board will be shared among three Far North community organisations.

The biggest winner of this latest funding round was Ōkaihau College, which was granted $4000 during the board’s December meeting. The funding will go towards hosting the 2024 Tai Tokerau Festival, which will take place at the college over two days in April. About 30 Kura (schools) will be attending, with two venues operating side by side. Some of the senior student performances will be filmed as part of an assessment towards their NCEA credits.

A total of $2500 was granted to the Kaikohe Polocrosse Club for venue hire and construction costs for the 2024 Carnival to be held 13-14 January at the Kaikohe Showgrounds. The organisation plans to build additional pens at the showgrounds to cater for more horses. Polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse with players from as far afield as Whanganui due to take part in the annual event. Many will stay on after the competition to enjoy sights and attractions that the district has to offer.

The Ōpononi-Ōmāpere Residents and Ratepayers Association was granted $545 per year over three years to cover venue hire and advertising for the organisation’s monthly meetings.

Photo: The Polocrosse 2024 Carnival takes place on 13-14 January at Kaikohe.