Six Tāmaki Makaurau marae and three papakāinga housing projects will each receive funding this year from Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.
Grants totalling $1.2 million have been approved for nine applicants from the committee’s 2023/2024 Cultural Initiatives Fund, to support development in the year ahead.
The Cultural Initiatives Fund is part of a much wider council-led focus to support Māori needs and aspirations through the Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau framework. It specifically supports marae development and papakāinga housing – two of 10 outcomes identified by Māori as being important priorities for future wellbeing.
Each recipient this year will receive a share of the $1.2 million fund based on plans outlined in their application.
Some projects include the installation of solar panels, water storage equipment, various maintenance tasks, as well as the replacement of existing assets and future planning.
Councillor Angela Dalton says supporting marae and housing development in Tāmaki Makaurau is an essential component of the council’s Long Term Plan, with a total of $1.2 million allocated each year across the 10-year life of the plan to the Cultural Initiatives Fund.
“The long-term value of this funding is really significant. We’ve already seen many benefits from these grants, on projects supporting the social, economic, and cultural wellbeing of Māori communities across Auckland.
“In the hands of mana whenua and mataawaka leaders, this funding is helping marae and papakāinga housing projects to thrive.”
The Cultural Initiatives Fund has so far been able to support 20 marae developments, some multiple times, in the Tāmaki Makaurau area, over a five-year period.
Not all applicants this year have been successful, as the fund is highly over-subscribed. A total of 14 grant applications were received, with five applications declined due to insufficient information and not meeting guideline criteria.
Councillor Richard Hills says the committee remains focused on supporting as many projects as possible, by distributing funds right across Tāmaki Makaurau.
“As Auckland grows and we look to build a more resilient region, marae continue to play an increasing role as community hubs for people needing guidance or refuge – particularly during extreme weather events. We see supporting their development as critical for the future wellbeing of our communities.”
Successful applicants for the 2023/2024 Cultural Initiatives Fund
|
Recipients |
Funding |
|
Ngaa Hau E Whaa o Pukekohe |
$110,500 |
|
Parish of Waipipi Lot 369a Trust (Rereteewhioi Marae) |
$142,500 |
|
Te Kia Ora Marae Trust |
$142,500 |
|
Ruapōtaka Marae |
$142,500 |
|
Pāpatūānuku Kōkiri Marae |
$124,500 |
|
Ngāti Wai o Aotea Kawa Marae Trust |
$125,500 |
|
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Housing Trust |
$142,500 |
|
Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust |
$142,500 |
|
Te Motu a Hiroa Charitable Trust |
$127,000 |
|
Total amount: |
$1,200,000 |
Find out more about our Cultural Initiatives Fund, and our other community grants, at our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grants
