Making moves with Local Grants

Got a great project for your community?

The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is inviting community groups, organisations, and individuals to apply for the Board’s Local Grant round two, open from 12 January to 20 February 2026, for projects starting after 1 May 2026.

Local grants support a wide range of projects across arts, community, environment, events, heritage, and sports and recreation, helping bring people together and strengthen our local area.

There’s no set funding amount, and applicants are encouraged to show how their project will achieve any of these key outcomes [998KB]. In round one, the board granted $76,791.60 to 25 applicants.

How to apply for the local board grant

Māngere-Bridge Christmas parade 2025.

1. Jump online and apply on the main Auckland Council website.
2. Applications close 20 February 2026, with allocations decided or confirmed on 15 April 2026, for projects that start after 1 May 2026.

Higher priorities for funding

Ōtāhuhu Christmas Carnival 2025.

• economic development in town centres and strengthening their role as community hubs
• community empowerment and capacity building
• local events and activations in town centres and beautification projects
• free or low-cost business workshops and mentoring for business associations
• building kai resilience around the town centres
  waste education, minimisation, and food scraps/garden programmes
• pest plant and animal control to protect biodiversity
• stream restoration and water quality improvements\
• costs for environmental projects and tree planting
• youth leadership and employment opportunities
• boosting digital skills, access, and abilities
• celebrating cultural diversity'
• promoting walking, cycling, and public transport for better health and lower emissions
• tackling illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour
• supporting local safety and crime prevention initiatives.

Board chair Kaea Walter Inoke-Togiamua says, “We back local entrepreneurs, businesses and community groups because they understand their communities best. It goes beyond arts and sport, supporting projects across health, environment, youth, seniors and other areas. We welcome applications and look forward to being present, supporting, and celebrating these projects with our communities.”

Successful applicants are required to submit an accountability report at the end of their project. This ensures transparency and helps the board see the impact of the grant in the community.

A few of 24/25 local grant recipients include:

• Life Education Trust delivering health programs to local schools from 27 January 2025 to 11 April 2025
• Ōtāhuhu Mainstreet, food festival and Christmas carnival 2025.
  Māngere Bridge Village, santa parade 2025.
• Ōtāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre, support for the seniors’ Christmas lunch and ongoing community programmes.
• Whare Koa Māngere Community House, support for community projects, including Build a Garden Bed and gardening initiative.