Community groups celebrate bumper handouts

Ōkaihau Bowling Club is on a roll after securing $10,000 in funding from the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board during its July meeting.

The grant will go towards installing an all-weather astroturf that will allow club members and players from the wider community to enjoy the popular sport year-round. The club has undertaken a major fundraising exercise for the astroturf project and has already raised a significant amount from the local community.

The club was founded in 1951 and, as well as providing the opportunity to boost bowling skills and take part in friendly competition, it also acts as a community hub for various social events.

Northland College in Kaikohe was granted $5000 towards hosting the Ngā Manu Kōrero 2024 – a national secondary school speech competition.

The annual event is seen as a significant event in Māori education, nurturing public speaking skills, giving rangatahi a stage to express their views, and encouraging fluency in Te Reo Māori and English.

The competition, which runs from 30 July to 1 August, takes place at Papa Hawaiki, the new sports hub at Lindvart Park, Kaikohe.

Also granted $5000 was Coast to Coast Cat Rescue, which provides shelter, care and rehoming for unwanted or stray cats and kittens. The rescued cats are currently housed in aviaries that are not fit for purpose and the money will go towards buying a cabin for the animals.

Striking a chord with the community board was the Hokianga Country Music Club, which was granted $3000 for its annual country music festival in September.

Organisers expect around 1000 visitors to the Hokianga for the two-day event on 27-29 September, with venues in Waimamaku, Ōpononi, Rāwene, and Kohukohu. The aim is to put the area on the map as a visitor destination, promote local businesses, as well as providing an opportunity to enjoy live music.

Other groups granted funding were:

• St Mary’s Church Committee, Kohukohu - $4362 towards the restoration of the church pipe organ
• Hokianga Women’s Group - $889 towards the Kohukohu Spring Show 2024 on 7 September.

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