Projects and initiatives celebrating diversity and inclusion in the community have received funding in the work programme for the next year recently approved by Henderson-Massey Local Board.
Major beneficiaries of the programme include the the Pacifica Arts Centre, which received $174,943.
It provides Pacific cultural services, activities, and programmes, creating a space for the local Pacific arts creative industry to thrive through public exhibits and events, and create opportunities for outreach to the wider Auckland region.
It is based at the Corban Estate Arts Centre at Mount Lebanon Lane, which has been given $632,116 towards operational costs.
The funding keeps the centre running and allows local projects, programmes and services to serve the community over the next year.
Henderson-Massey Local Board deputy chair Will Flavell says encouraging positive social outcomes by backing organisations and initiatives representing a cross-section of groups and people is a key priority for the board.
“Our identity relies on the diverse groups that make up our communities. It is vital that we support the kaupapa of organsations that work to build networks and community ties through activities such as events and arts initiatives,” he explains.
“We are very excited about projects that are designed to maximise benefit a cross-section of the community, engaging with our people and growing the sense of belonging that is vital to building thriving communities.
“This includes not only ethnic diversity, but also age and family diversity.”
Multiple youth-focused programmes also received funding, aiming to grow youth participation in Henderson, Ranui, Massey, Te Atatū and Glendene.
“Enabling diverse rangatahi to influence community outcomes, lead and deliver activities and access support to lead full and positive lives is a key kaupapa for the board to support,” Flavell says.
McLaren Park Henderson South Community Trust, Massey Matters Youth Voice Camp, Zeal Youth Week events and the West Auckland Boxing Academy each received a share of $50,000 to support young people to grow leadership skills and aspirations.
Ranui 135 Youth Trust was granted $55,000 for activities, including the provision of a mentoring programme to provide for Māori and Pacific girls transitioning from primary to secondary school, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
The Pasifika Youth leadership programme also received $15,000.
Age-friendly projects for older people to extend networks and reduce isolation received $15,000, while initiatives supporting the migrant and refugee population were handed $25,000 to increase opportunities for intercultural inclusion and participation.
Alongside the funding for community projects and initiatives, an additional $337,400 was approved for environmental projects.
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