Waitākere Ranges Quick Response Grant Program in New Zealand

Deadline: 23-May-25

Submissions are now open for the Waitākere Ranges Quick Response Grant Program.

Priorities

• The distinctive and diverse communities are thriving, resilient and adaptable. People are connected, feel a sense of belonging, and work together to support wellbeing
  • Strong and productive mana whenua and mataawaka relationships
  • To enhance the health, wellbeing and resilience of local communities
  • People from the diverse communities are connected and feel as though they belong
• Biodiversity is enhanced, significant ecological areas are protected and restored as a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife. The people are connected to, and care for, the environment. The mauri of the freshwater streams, the Manukau Harbour, and West Coast lagoons and wetlands are restored 
  • Ecosystems are protected, restored and enhanced in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area
  • Natural areas on parks are protected restored, and enhanced
  • Protection and enhancement of urban tree cover
  • The Manukau Harbour beaches and west coast lagoons are clean and safe for swimming, with improved environmental outcomes for the harbour and its catchment
  • The streams and wetlands are healthy and restored
  • They understand climate change risks, take action to reduce the climate impact, and are prepared to adapt and respond to future events
• Parks, facilities and services are accessible and meet the needs of the diverse urban and rural communities. Maori culture and identity is visible and valued. Arts, culture and creativity are a celebrated part of living in the West 
  • The parks and open spaces provide opportunities for recreation and enjoyment by the surrounding local communities, and a place for nature
  • Parks and facilities are adaptable in the face of climate change, growth and other pressures
  • A network of vibrant arts and culture organisations, facilities and events that enliven the west
  • The libraries and facilities provide engaging spaces at the heart of the community
• They have thriving town and village centres, supporting strong neighbourhoods, connected by a reliable, resilient and sustainable transport network. The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area (WRHA) is protected and restored for current and future generations, and the relationship with Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngati Whatua is acknowledged 
  • Thriving, sustainable villages that people take pride in
  • A reliable, resilient and sustainable transport network connects the neighbourhoods, centres and villages
  • The heritage of the people, places and buildings is recognised and valued
  • The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area is recognised for its character and heritage
• Sustainable local economic activity is supported. The business centres are active and successful. Home-based businesses and innovation is fostered. Opportunities for rural activities continue 
  • A successful and resilient Glen Eden Business Improvement District
  • Economic wellbeing for rangatahi
  • Sustainable economic activity that supports people, places and the natural environment ‘
• Higher Priorities 
  • In addition to the priority outcomes above, a higher priority will be given to projects/activities:
    • That are smokefree (incl. vaping) and provide healthy food for events and projects
    • That encourage waste minimisation and endorse zero waste practices
    • That foster increased resilience, connectedness, and wellbeing in the communities and environment
    • Note: Waitakere Ranges Local Board will also support applications for community projects in areas which are affected by filming activity’
• Lower Priorities 
  • A lower priority will be given to applications in the following circumstances:
    • Where the applicant has considerable cash reserves relative to the amount applied for, unless the applicant can verify that the reserves are required or tagged for a specific project
    • Groups and/or activities taking place outside the local board area, unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate benefit to the local board area community members
    • Applications for projects that have already received alternative local board funding during the current financial year
    • Where the applicant is a national organisation

Types of projects funded by the grant

• Arts
• Community
• Environment
• Events
• Heritage
• Sports and recreation

Funding Information

• Grant value: $500 – $1500

Outcomes

• The grants programme supports the Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan in these key areas:
  • people
  • environment
  • community
  • places
  • economy.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following can apply for grants:
  • community organisations with a formal legal structure
  • groups or individuals with no formal legal structure can apply for up to $1,000  (Kaipatiki Local Board will not fund individuals)
  • applicants seeking funding over $1,000 will need to nominate an umbrella organisation or
  • Can apply, be accepted and be reimbursed after the project is completed.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following are ineligible:
  • Political parties
  • Internal applicants (i.e. to fund projects, programmes or facilities run by Auckland Council or its employees)
  • Auckland Council CCOs (council-controlled organisations), including facilities owned and operated by Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA)
  • Organisations receiving statutory funding from council via compulsory annual levies, under the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act (ARAFA) or comparable legislation
  • Other local authorities, government agencies or public sector entities.

For more information, visit Auckland Council.