Source: Auckland Council
A range of projects led by community groups have been allocated a share of $303,119 from Auckland Council in the latest round of Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants for 2024/2025, approved by the Community Committee on 27 May.
The grants support regional goals in the council’s Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities Strategy 2022-2032, with the vision for a fairer, more sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau where every Aucklander belongs. The goals aim to improve financial security, improve health outcomes, and grow community and intercultural connection.
Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton says the funding recognises the organisations behind these projects as experts at what they do, changing lives for the better in line with council objectives.
“Initiatives funded in this round include a transitional housing service for women, a programme teaching traditional Māori parenting skills, and a support service for young people experiencing sexual harm,” Cr Dalton says.
Deputy chair, Councillor Julie Fairey agrees that this year’s successful applicants will provide a broad spectrum of community benefits, from strengthening wellbeing for rainbow youth to supporting food rescue.
“The council is proud to be able to support a wide range of community activities through these grants, acknowledging the skills of local groups and supporting them in their important mahi. This is the stuff that helps our communities to thrive,” says Cr Fairey.
Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants are allocated to regionally significant groups, services, events and activities to benefit residents across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
General Manager Community Wellbeing Kenneth Aiolupotea says demand for council funding continues to grow with the highest number of applications ever received for the current round of Ngā Hapori Momoho grants, up 25 per cent from last year, with a total of 119 applications submitted.
“It is really great news that each of the 11 successful applicants have been approved for close to maximum funding, with grants ranging from $26,000 to $28,500 allocated,” Kenneth says.
Organisations delivering strong Māori outcomes were among 11 community groups that each receive a welcome boost this year for their work to improve welfare, health and belonging for Aucklanders in need.
“In addition, four of the successful applicants are Māori organisations and another two are delivering projects with strong Māori outcomes. Together, these six applicants account for 56 per cent of the total recommended funding, which is an important measure for the council.”
In the last funding round for 2023/2024, six of the 13 applicants funded were from Māori organisations or delivered strong Māori outcomes, and together they received 50 per cent of the allocated funding.
All applications were assessed by a panel to determine eligibility, capability, and how well they meet the grants funding criteria, which is available online. Unsuccessful applicants will be supported to reapply for future funding.
The Community Committee has reviewed whether change is needed for future funding rounds to keep meeting the best outcomes. Members have resolved to continue investing in projects that increase whānau and community financial security, improve health outcomes and grow community and intercultural connection for allocations from 2026 through to 2028.
Find out more
The full eligibility criteria and funding priorities are explained in the Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants Guidelines, available on the Auckland Council website.
Key dates
Applications for the next round of the 2022-2032 Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants are expected to open in November 2025.
The Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Strategy 2023-2024 document is available on the Auckland Council website.
Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants for 2024/2025:
|
Applicant |
Project |
Amount Recommended |
|
Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai |
Te Whare Hīnātore – a transitional housing service to reconnect wāhine with their whānau and provide the skills to live independently |
$28,500 |
|
Auckland Pride Incorporated |
Strengthening connections and wellbeing for Rainbow Youth |
$28,500 |
|
Breathing Space Charitable Trust |
Creative wellbeing professional development program for community organisations working alongside at-risk youth and young women |
$28,500 |
|
EcoMatters Environment Trust |
Improving health outcomes through teaching Aucklanders how to keep their house warm and dry and how to save money by reducing water and energy usage |
$26,629 |
|
ECPAT Child Alert Trust (ECPAT NZ) |
Youth engagement programme – supporting youth who are at risk of or have survived sexual exploitation |
$28,500 |
|
KiwiHarvest |
Food rescue and distribution to recipient charities |
$28,500 |
|
Momentum Charitable Trust |
Life and financial skills at Auckland Region Probation Centres |
$27,374 |
|
Mya Steele-Fonokalafi |
Ngākau Aroha parenting – inspiring and empowering whānau to apply tūpuna parenting skills |
$26,104 |
|
TAIORA |
Hauora training for Ngāti Whātua Iwi – training iwi and marae leaders with skills to support young people |
$28,500 |
|
Te Whare Hukahuka Ltd |
Ka Eke Poutama – rangatahi governance skills and pathways into governance roles programme |
$28,263 |
|
OKE Charity |
Working with schools – building outdoor classrooms, hands-on workshops, and community events |
$23,750 |
|
Total recommended |
$303,119 |
