Auckland Council awards grants to advance community climate action

Publish Date : 26 Nov 2024
Climate Action Grants
Weymouth Primary School students, part of the Wednesday Challenge which promotes alternative modes of transport. Photo credit: Deirdre Carraher

Auckland Council has approved $260,000 from a total funding pool of $372,451 to support 11 community-led initiatives addressing climate change projects from sustainable water infrastructure to increasing access to bikes.

This Auckland Climate Grant programme, established in 2021, is part of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and is funded through the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 by the climate investment package and general rates.

The grant is designed to support community-led climate action and focuses on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate impacts, and support Māori-led climate responses.

This year’s recipients were selected from a pool of 42 applications requesting more than $1.6 million.

Successful projects span critical areas, including transport, energy, food systems, and Māori-led initiatives, with funding allocations ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

Deputy Chair of the Community Committee Councillor Julie Fairey commended the community's commitment to climate action.

"The Auckland Climate Grant scheme supports our communities as they take meaningful local action for our climate.

“This year’s recipients highlight the creativity and collaboration we need to effectively reduce emissions, while we also increase resilience across Tāmaki Makaurau.

“The council’s support for these projects not only empowers Aucklanders to work on our climate challenges, it helps us all to build a fairer future across our region,” says Councillor Fairey.

The grant programme aligns with Auckland Council’s commitment to prioritising Māori-led projects, with three of the 11 funded initiatives directly led by Māori organisations. These projects integrate Te Ao Māori principles and actively support Māori communities in leading climate solutions.

Notably, projects from Whenua Warrior and Gardens4Health received co-funding from both the Auckland Climate Grant and storm response budgets, reflecting their alignment with council goals for climate resilience and recovery.

Auckland Council will allocate the remaining $112,451 in the grant budget through upcoming response funding rounds, ensuring continued support for impactful community initiatives.

The Auckland Climate Grant plays a vital role in removing barriers and supporting grassroots efforts to combat climate change and build resilience, reaffirming the council’s commitment to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri and the well-being of future generations.

For more information on the Auckland Climate Grant and eligibility criteria, click here

Organisations and community groups funded:
Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community Trust - $30,000
YMCA North Incorporated - $40,000
Tahuna Paa Marae Trust - $25,000
Whenua Warrior Charitable Trust - $10,000
Time to Thrive to Stay Alive Charitable Trust - $30,000
Socially Good Adventures Ltd  - $40,000
Gardens4Health - $10,000
Etu Rakau - $15,000
Wednesday Challenge HQ Ltd - $30,000
Tāmaki College - $15,000
Youth Climate Collective Limited - $15,000

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