Nearly $3M invested in Whangārei communities

Published on 16 September 2026

Taimahi Trust members growing herbs in their repaired hothouse.

From rebuilding surf-lifesaving facilities and supporting young people with disabilities to protecting native biodiversity and empowering youth-led initiatives, nearly $3 million in contestable funding has been invested across the Whangārei District over the past year. 

Our Community Funding Annual Report 2025-2026 shows $2.92 million was distributed during the financial year, including $2.71 million through the core Community Funding Programme. Funding supported 123 projects across four community funds. 

Community Funding Annual Report 2025-2026(PDF, 2MB)

“Our community funding programme continues to deliver strong value by supporting local organisations, enhancing community assets and improving the wellbeing, resilience, and connectedness of Whangārei communities,” says Community Development Chair Deb Harding. 

“Every dollar invested goes much further thanks to the dedication of community organisations and volunteers, whose time, skills and commitment multiply the benefits delivered to Whangārei communities.” 

Parakao Hall Society’s new playground and outdoor space.

Community wellbeing 

Community wellbeing remained the largest funding priority, receiving more than half of Whangārei Communities Fund allocations. 

Projects included parenting programmes, migrant support services, disability initiatives, mentoring, community events, and inclusive arts activities. 

Many projects focused on prevention and early intervention, helping strengthen community resilience and reduce future social challenges. 

Grant supports new surf club facility 

Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Patrol received the year's largest grant of $100,000 to support planning and consenting costs for a new surf club facility. 

The funding contributes to a wider $5.5 million redevelopment project that will help the volunteer organisation continue delivering water-safety services, training and emergency-response capability at one of the District's busiest beaches. 

Small grant creates big impact 

Taimahi Trust received $9,829 to upgrade a horticultural training facility used by rangatahi with learning and intellectual disabilities. 

The improved facility supports vocational training, life-skills development, confidence building and community participation for 30 to 40 trainees, demonstrating how relatively small grants can produce significant social outcomes. 

Supporting future leaders 

The Youth Week Fund distributed $12,045 across 10 youth-led projects, with grants ranging from $700 to $1,500. 

More than 500 people participated in activities including creative workshops, music events, civic education projects and a youth fair. 

Beyond the events themselves, participants gained valuable leadership, planning and communication skills. 

Building resilience 

Funding also supported neighbourhood support groups, community patrols, CCTV projects, emergency-preparedness programmes and resilience planning. 

One example was the Ocean Beach Energy Hub, which received $5,000 to develop a community-led energy-resilience initiative aimed at improving preparedness during outages and emergencies. 

Following January 2026 storm events, Whangārei's Emergency Recovery Fund approved 139 applications and distributed $296,757 to support affected residents and organisations. 

Environmental funding 

Environmental groups received more than $293,000 in funding.

Projects included Bream Head Conservation Trust's predator control and biodiversity work in the Bream Head / Te Whara area. 

Waste-minimisation funding also supported initiatives such as Para Kore's reusable-product education programme and Whakaora Kai's food-rescue operation, which redistributes more than 200,000 kilograms of food each year.  

Whakaora Kai members ready to rescue edible food and redistribute it to community organisations around the District.