Over $185,000 in grants was awarded to local groups in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu last year, and this year, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is ready to support even more community-driven projects. If you’re a local group, provider, or organisation with a great project or initiative, now is the time to apply!
This is a significant increase from the previous year, when $100,000 in grants were awarded to 33 community groups in 2022/2023.
“We are proud to support the incredible community groups that uplift, empower and make genuine efforts that have a real benefit in the lives in our community. Grants are a key part of our commitment to empowering these local initiatives that cover diverse areas such as sports, youth development, wellbeing, education, road safety, active lifestyles, and more, and we’re proud to collaborate with our community groups to create lasting positive impact, despite an overall reduction in our funding,” says board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich.
Wonderful activations within our libraries.
How to apply for the local board grant
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The board’s second round of the 2023/2024 Local Grants programme, offering grants over $2,000, is now open for applications. Individuals and groups are encouraged to apply here.
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The funding deadline is 25 April 2025 at 10pm, with decisions announced on 18 June 2025.
Proud supporters of the Ōtāhuhu Food Festival 2024.
Local grants are available once or twice a year to support arts, community, environment, events, heritage and sports and recreation groups.
Bakulich urges community groups to apply and check the website for details on what these grants cover and what they don’t, key areas and expected outcomes.
Bakulich adds, “If your project benefits the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu community, engages our diverse population, supports Māori aspirations, helps youth, seniors, the environment, safety, employment, or revitalises our town centres, we encourage you to apply. We're committed to always supporting our local community.”
Proudly supporting local gem Ambury Regional Park (Farm).
Higher priorities
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provide opportunities for youth leadership and participation in employment
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foster greater community cohesion and inclusivity.
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community-led initiatives for environmental and climate
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share local climate action information and education opportunities
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promote uptake of healthier lifestyles
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increase and enhance digital skills
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help revitalise and increase economic activity in the local town centres
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deliver around our town centres to support the local economy
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address anti-social behaviour
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address safety issues
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offers healthy food alternatives
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focus on supporting vulnerable groups
Our grant supported Vinesh Kumaran's "Manukau Live Steamers" exhibition at Massey Station.
“We’ve supported many incredible groups and continue to stand by local gems like Māngere 275 Times, Ambury Regional Park, Ōtāhuhu schools and sports clubs, and the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Netball Centre. We’re excited to be part of even more journeys ahead,” shares Bakulich.
Some of the recipients from last year who benefited from the board's local grants include:
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Counties Manukau Sport Foundation: $7,000 for the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Junior Sports Awards
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Ōtāhuhu Softball Club: $2,000 for the Wayne Roper Tournament
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Life Education Trust Counties Manukau: $5,000 for the Life Education Programme at local schools (June–Dec 2024)
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Māngere Bridge Residents & Ratepayers: $2,325 for a defibrillator for Māngere Bridge
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Māngere 275 Times: $5,000 for the Māngere Youth Voices Project
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Ōtāhuhu College Board of Trustees: $5,000 for a recycling initiative
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Māngere College: $9,254 for the Rotorua 275 Rangatahi Xplorer Trip
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New Zealand Ethnic Women Incorporated: $3,000 for the Ethnic Women’s Sewing School
We are proud funders of the Pest Free South Auckland mahi.
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