Community fund opens to help bring local ideas to life

Projects for play, projects for people and projects for place - 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 Community Matching Fund is designed to back projects where communities are already contributing their own time, skills, materials or fundraising efforts. Council can contribute up to 50 per cent 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.

Annika Lane, Western Bay of Plenty District Council General Manager Strategy and Community, says the fund recognises the value of community 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 says.

The fund supports projects that meet a community need and deliver clear public benefits, including:

• new initiatives or pilot projects
• one-off community projects or events
• equipment and materials
• environmental projects
• communication or education initiatives
• some project-related operating costs that are directly tied to delivering the funded activity

The Community Matching Fund has helped bring a wide range of community projects to life across the Western Bay, since it was launched eight years ago.

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

"We're absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our new junior play space. This area has brought creativity and imaginative play back to life for our tamariki. Not only are students having fun, but they are also developing important social, fine motor, and gross motor skills through play,” says Te Ranga School Principal Aimee Kennedy.

“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.

Community Matching Fund drop-in sessions

Monday 13 July - Te Puke Library and Service Centre (Boardroom)

Tuesday 14 July - Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre (Whakamārama and Pahoia Rooms)

Wednesday 15 July - The Centre – Pātuki Manawa (McKinney Room - Digital Hub)

Thursday 16 July - Te Ara Mātauranga – Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub (Kotahi Room)

Friday 17 July - Maketū Community Centre (Main Hall)

Applications are open until 31 July 2026, and will be assessed after the closing date, with recommendations presented to a panel of Councillors - Margaret Murray-Benge, Allan Sole and Laura Rae.

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