Community Impact Partnerships programme

A rainbow coloured logo with the words

We’re partnering with community groups in the District to create positive long-lasting impact. 

The Community Impact Partnerships programme fosters collaboration between communities and Council, using shared resources, learnings and insights to achieve our goals. 

This programme aims to build the capacity of community groups to grow and become resilient. 

We are eager to connect with groups who want to maximise their impact and develop through this partnership experience. 

If you are you keen to work together for the benefit of our community, we would love to hear from you! 

Please read our application guidelines:

Community Impact Partnerships programme application guidelines(PDF, 932KB)

Programme goals 

The Community Impact Partnerships programme is designed to achieve the following outcomes: 

  • enhance social cohesion 
  • foster grassroots projects 
  • encourage diverse representation 
  • build capability and capacity for ongoing community development and resilience. 

What is involved and expected?

Working together, we will draw on each other’s strengths to develop community outcomes that are meaningful, respectful and sustainable. 

Council will provide guidance, expertise and connections through a dedicated Community Development Adviser.   

A range of resources and some financial support will be available for groups in the programme.  

We will work with you to tailor the partnership to the specific needs and purposes of your group.  

Learning opportunities will be offered based on the group’s needs and we will support you to become self-sustaining and effective.  

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be based within the Whangārei District boundaries. 

Community groups are expected to embrace a community-led approach and our community outcomes: 

  • thriving local identity 
  • diverse and inclusive culture  
  • great place to call home  
  • sustainable and resilient future. 

Further information about our community outcomes can be found on page 8 of our Long Term Plan:  

Long Term Plan 2024-2034(PDF, 31MB)

This programme DOES NOT support: 

  • applications outside of Whangārei District 
  • groups with a single agenda not benefiting the wider community 
  • groups without strong community links or unwillingness to develop such links 
  • well-resourced organisations with significant previous Council funding or reserves 
  • activities promoting only religious, political or commercial agendas 
  • projects considered the core business of another organisation or Central Government 
  • projects with sufficient fundraising already in place 
  • fundraising activities for the applicant or a third party 
  • for profit or personal financial gain. 

Apply for a Community Impact Partnership

Expressions of interest for 2025 will close on Monday 30 June 2025.

Online

Step 1.Check eligibility

Ensure your application meets the eligibility criteria above.

Step 2.Complete application

Fill in our online expression of interest form to provide an overview of your group, vision and key goals. 

This can be submitted in various formats (video, graphic, audio recording, in writing etc.) as long as it contains the requested information.

Community Impact Partnerships programme online form

Step 3.Assessment

A Community Development Adviser will contact you to progress your application or suggest other suitable opportunities to achieve your goals. 

We intend on working closely with two groups through this programme in 2025. 

Successful applicants will be advised by September 2025.

Email

Step 1.Check eligibility

Ensure your application meets the eligibility criteria above.

Step 2.Complete application

Download the expression of interest form, print it out and fill it in by hand to provide an overview of your group, vision and key goals.

This can be submitted in various formats (video, graphic, audio recording, in writing etc.) as long as it contains the requested information.

Community Impact Partnerships programme form(PDF, 181KB)

Step 3.Email us

Email your completed application to:

Email: CommunityImpact@wdc.govt.nz

Step 4.Assessment

A Community Development Adviser will contact you to progress your application or suggest other suitable opportunities to achieve your goals. 

We intend on working closely with two groups through this programme in 2025. 

Successful applicants will be advised by September 2025.

By post

Step 1.Check eligibility

Ensure your application meets the eligibility criteria above.

Step 2.Complete application

Download the expression of interest form, print it out and fill it in by hand to provide an overview of your group, vision and key goals.

This can be submitted in various formats (video, graphic, audio recording, in writing etc.) as long as it contains the requested information.

Community Impact Partnerships programme form(PDF, 181KB)

Step 3.Post to us

Post your completed application to: 

Community Impact Partnerships programme

Whangarei District Council 
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

Step 4.Assessment

A Community Development Adviser will contact you to progress your application or suggest other suitable opportunities to achieve your goals. 

We intend on working closely with two groups through this programme in 2025. 

Successful applicants will be advised by September 2025.

In person

Step 1.Check eligibility

Ensure your application meets the eligibility criteria above.

Step 2.Complete application

Download the expression of interest form, print it out and fill it in by hand to provide an overview of your group, vision and key goals.

This can be submitted in various formats (video, graphic, audio recording, in writing etc.) as long as it contains the requested information.

Community Impact Partnerships programme form(PDF, 181KB)  

Step 3.Bring into us

Bring your completed application into one of our Customer Service centres:

Te Iwitahi
9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

Service centre at isite
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Step 4.Assessment

A Community Development Adviser will contact you to progress your application or suggest other suitable opportunities to achieve your goals. 

We intend on working closely with two groups through this programme in 2025. 

Successful applicants will be advised by September 2025.

Here are some resources to help community groups and potential Community Impact Partnerships.   

Community development approach: 

Community group internal systems: 

Get information about our community funding: 

Community funding