Funding boost opens for Kai Ora Fund

Applications are now open for the 2026 round of the Kai Ora Fund, a long-running initiative supporting projects that strengthen food security and community resilience across Te Tai Tokerau.

The fund is a collaborative effort involving more than nine organisations working together to back a wide range of initiatives, from community gardens and food education programmes to projects that improve local food systems and resilience.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Kai Ora Fund has invested over half a million dollars into more than 150 projects across the Far North, helping communities develop sustainable approaches to food access and wellbeing.

Grants of up to $5000 are available per project, with an average of $130,000 distributed annually in Te Tai Tokerau.

The nine supporting organisations with Far North District Council are:

• Mahitahi Hauora
• Whangārei District Council
• Te Tari Taiwhenua
• Healthy Families Far North
• Foundation North
• Kaipara District Council
• The Ministry of Social Development
• Kāinga Ora- Homes and Communities
• Te Whatu Ora|Health NZ

Apply or learn more about the Kai Ora Fund on their website or read more here.