Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Community Matching Fund is now open, inviting local community organisations to apply for funding.

A total of $170,000 is available this year, including $110,000 through the General Fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives, and $60,000 through the Environmental Fund for projects that support the natural environment.

The scheme is designed to back projects where communities are already contributing their own time, skills, materials or fundraising efforts.

Council can contribute up to 50% of the total project cost, with applicants making up the balance – for example, through volunteer time, donated professional services and materials, and fundraising or donations.

Ideas into action

Council general manager strategy and community Annika Lane said the Community Matching Fund recognises the value of people’s efforts and helps local groups turn ideas into action.

“Amazing things can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal, and combine their time, skills and resources.

“We encourage community groups and organisations to think about projects that will make a lasting difference and apply for funding,” she said.

The fund supports projects that meet a community need and deliver clear public benefits, including initiatives or pilot projects, one-off community projects or events, equipment and materials, environmental projects, communication or education initiatives. It also helps with some project-related operating costs directly tied to delivering a funded activity.

Lane said the fund had helped bring a wide range of community projects to life across the district since its inception eight years ago.

Te Ranga School

One of last year’s successful recipients was Te Ranga School, which received $5000 towards its new junior play space. The project included a sensory garden, flowing stream, mud kitchen, sandpit, play cafe and a stage with musical instruments, creating an outdoor environment where children can learn, play and explore.

Principal Aimee Kennedy said the school was thrilled with its new junior play space.

“This area has brought creativity and imaginative play back to life for our tamariki [children],” she said.

“Not only are students having fun, but they are also developing important social, fine motor and gross motor skills through play.

“This project has been a game-changer for our school, and it has been fantastic to see members of our wider community enjoying the space outside of school hours as well.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council through the Community Matching Fund, which helped make this wonderful addition to our school possible.”

To help people understand the fund and application process, council is hosting five drop-in, question-and-answer sessions across the district. Each session will run for 90 minutes, starting at 11.30am.

Drop-in sessions

July 13: Te Puke Library and Service Centre.

July 14: Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre.

July 15: The Centre – Pātuki Manawa (Katikati Library)

July 16: Te Ara Mātauranga - Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub.

July 17: Maketū Community Centre.

Applications are open until July 31, and will be assessed with recommendations presented to a panel featuring councillors Margaret Murray-Benge, Allan Sole and Laura Rae.

For more information about the fund, including eligibility criteria and application details, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/community-matching-fund