From waka ama and community kai gardens to conservation projects and teaching wāhine how to use power tools, 39 community groups across the Western Bay of Plenty are sharing $170,000 in new funding.
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has announced the recipients of its latest Community Matching Fund, supporting projects stretching from Waihī Beach to Maketū.
Unlike a traditional grant, the fund is designed to support communities already putting their own resources into projects. Council can contribute up to half of the total project cost, with groups matching the remainder through volunteer hours, donated professional services, materials, fundraising or other contributions.
Of the $170,000 allocated this year, $110,000 comes through the General Fund for social, recreational and cultural projects, while another $60,000 is being directed through the Environmental Fund.
Successful projects cover everything from arts and heritage and emergency preparedness to community wellbeing, sports facilities, environmental restoration, biodiversity and conservation.
Among the recipients is Waihī Beach Women’s DIY, which brings wāhine of different ages together to learn woodworking, develop practical skills and build confidence. The funding will help the group purchase power tools and materials needed to expand what participants can learn and build.
Council says the programme is ultimately about backing people already doing the mahi within their own communities, with locally led projects helping strengthen volunteering, skills and community connections across the Western Bay.
For communities often competing for limited funding, the scheme puts a value not only on dollars but also on volunteer hours, donated skills and the people prepared to roll up their sleeves and make things happen.
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