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It’s no secret that Ōtara-Papatoetoe is home to passionate people with bold ideas.
Last year, more than $270,000 in local grants helped power 116 changemakers across Ōtara-Papatoetoe, real people leading real projects that made a real difference in the community. From restoring native bush and running youth programmes to organising events, the work is local and meaningful.
Some projects made possible with the Ōtara-Papatoetoe grants 24/25:
- Disability Sport Auckland Incorporated granted $2,000 for their Gala Day
- Naad Charitable Trust NZ was awarded $13,000 for the Baithak Music Series 2025
- $28,000 for The NZ Community Builders Trust to spread cheer at Ōtara’s much-loved Christmas Carnival 2024.
Now it’s your turn.
Applications for round one of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board 2025/2026 grants programme is open for projects over $2,000 in arts, community, environment, events, heritage, sports or recreation.
It’s easy to apply, and you’ve got until 8 August 2025 to get it in.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia reflects on the board’s commitment and what it means for the community.
“Even with limited funding, we’ve backed real people doing real work,” says Apulu. “We’re proud to support locals strengthening our neighbourhoods.
“Over the past year, we supported 116 groups and individuals with over $270,000 in funding. Let that sink in! We’ve been out in the community, seeing these projects in action and hearing directly from the people involved. The difference this support makes is real. As a board, we’re proud of what’s been achieved and want our community to know we’re here for them. We know locals create real impact when they’re supported.”
What grants can you access?
The grants are contestable and support projects that align with at least one of the board’s key outcomes:
- Te ao Māori, Māori culture, and mātauranga Māori
- a community that celebrates its diversity and supports whānau, rangatahi, and tamariki to thrive
- people are active, learning, and shaping community life through locally led, age-friendly, whānau-centred programmes
- communities leading on sustainability, climate action, and zero waste projects
- increased greenspace, tree canopy, restored biodiversity, and improved local water quality
- access to high-quality, well-maintained facilities and active recreation
- attractive, safe, welcoming, and sustainable neighbourhoods and town centres
- residents are highly skilled with many employment opportunities
- thriving small businesses and Manukau as a destination for national and international visitors.
Local grants are available four times a year, with round one open from 7 July to 8 August 2025 for projects starting after 1 October 2025.
Excellence Award I Te Tohu Hiranga Poari Ā-Rohe o Otara – Papatoetoe supports individuals or groups with outstanding achievements who need funding to represent Ōtara-Papatoetoe. Applications are open year-round, with possible delays over holidays, year-end, or election time.
Make sure to check what is not funded, and read the full details online.
If you're successful, you’ll need to complete an accountability report after your project wraps up.
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