Funding communities – investing in our District

Published on 26 November 2025

Radio hosts in the studio at Beagle Radio.

Community funding has been invested in new studio equipment for community radio station Beagle Radio to keep local voices on air.

A total of $262,000 has been distributed to 24 local organisations in the September, October and November 2025 funding rounds of the Whangārei Communities Fund.

The funding supports projects that celebrate culture, strengthen community wellbeing, enhance recreational opportunities and protect the environment.

One standout recipient is Beagle Radio, awarded $7,704 under the Arts, Culture and Heritage category to upgrade its studio equipment.

Operating for a decade on a shoestring budget, the station hosts 24 regular shows by 33 volunteer DJs, ranging from youth to seniors. The upgrade will ensure reliable broadcasting and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to share stories, music and culture.

“Our studio and equipment should reflect the broadcast environment this city deserves,” says Beagle Radio’s Ava Ryerson.

“Reliable, user-friendly equipment will create opportunities for people of all ages and technical abilities to participate in broadcasting and help preserve stories that celebrate our region’s cultural identity.”

Whangarei District Council Community Funding Adviser Cindy Fields says community funding is about investing in the people and places that make Whangārei special.

“These grants help local groups deliver services, create opportunities and protect our environment. Every dollar goes towards building stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities.”

Key themes of the spring community funding rounds include:

celebrating arts and heritage through creative platforms and events
improving community wellbeing with funding for upkeep and upgrades of public facilities, and support for vulnerable groups
encouraging recreation and sport by maintaining and enhancing local sporting facilities
protecting the environment through public conservation programmes, waste reduction and weed eradication.

Kids and adults on the court at Hikurangi Tennis Club. — Community funding invested in a spruce-up of the Hikurangi Tennis Club courts in time for summer.

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Workers in the hothouse at Taimahi Trust, which provides training for young people with learning and intellectual disabilities. — Community funding invested in hothouse repairs for Taimahi Trust, which provides training for young people with learning and intellectual disabilities.

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A group snorkelling in the ocean with Experiencing Marine Reserves. — Community funding invested in connecting communities to the sea environment with Experiencing Marine Reserves.

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September, October and November 2025 community funding

Arts, Culture and Heritage

Beagle Radio – $7,704 for new studio equipment.
Loose Nuts Mayhem Inc – $6,446 for a car show and parade to coincide with a NZ Warbirds event at the airport.

Community Wellbeing

Hikurangi Business Association – $7,250 for maintenance of the CCTV network.
Mata Public Hall – $12,023 for polishing the floor and septic tank servicing.
Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust – $12,000 to support the costs of running a music therapy centre that serves over 200 clients every week.
Springfield Swimming Club – $9,720 towards swimming pool paint and repairs.
Taimahi Trust – $9,829 to fund hothouse repairs and upgrades.
Waipū Residents and Ratepayers Association – $1,000 for a community support fund for Waipū projects.
Whananaki Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association – $4,415 for maintenance of the hall, library and emergency services base.
Whangārei Area Neighbourhood Support Inc – $6,760 for a coordinator working with Police, Community Patrol, CitySafe and Council.
Whangārei Museum and Heritage Trust (Kiwi North) – $71,406 to complete the renovation of the McFadden building at Kiwi North into a public education space and bookable community venue.
Whangārei Riding for the Disabled – $10,000 for operating costs of providing services to the disabled community, supporting 72 riders.
Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Whangārei – $6,192 to provide three rangehoods for the hostel kitchen. The YWCA provides 24 rooms as emergency and transitional housing for young people.

Recreation and Sport

Hikurangi Tennis Club – $2,118, for the maintenance of the multi-sport courts facility.
Northland Athletics and Gymnastic Stadium Trust – $12,387 for insurance costs for the Trigg Sports Arena and all-weather track.
Springfield Domain Inc – $2,000 towards operating costs.
Ngunguru Tennis Society – $10,000 for a safety screen to protect players from the neighbouring golf course.
Whangārei Deep Sea Anglers Club – $12,500 to help with the costs of replacing a 50m balustrade along the Tūtūkākā waterfront.
Whangārei Dog Training Association Inc – $6,391 for a large, flat-deck trailer to transport the club’s agility equipment.

Environment

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust – $12,020 to run the summer season of Experiencing Marine Reserves.
The Heads Repair It Free Team (THRIFT) – $1,623 for regular outgoings for this Whangārei Heads-based group, which provides free repair services to the community to reduce waste to landfill.
Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust – $9,979 for continued weed eradication at Whangārei Heads.
Whangārei Saloon and Stock Car Club Inc – $23,850 to repair and grade a paper road from Port Road to the Saloon and Stock Car raceway.

See all our available funds and apply for community funding here:

Community funding