Auckland Council Invites Iwi and Māori Groups to Shape $25 Million Community Grants Review

Auckland Council has launched a comprehensive review of how it distributes millions of dollars in community funding, with a specific focus on incorporating the voices of iwi, local boards, and community organisations. The council’s Community Grants Policy, which has been in place since 2014, currently oversees 11 regional grant programmes and 21 local board programmes. According to Waatea News, approximately $25 million was distributed through these various channels during the 2023/24 financial year. Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, stated that the decade-old policy needs to be tested against the changing needs of Auckland’s diverse communities. The goal of the review is to ensure that funding remains fair and delivers high value for ratepayers while adapting to future challenges. Current grants support a wide range of initiatives, including marae projects, environmental restoration, arts and cultural programmes, and social resilience efforts. For Māori organisations and kaupapa Māori providers across Tāmaki Makaurau, the review presents an opportunity to influence how regional resources are allocated. Community Committee chair Councillor Julie Fairey noted that the council is seeking feedback from a broad spectrum of groups, including those that have previously been successful in their applications and those that have missed out. This inclusive approach aims to identify barriers and improve the accessibility of the funding process. Engagement is already underway, with community groups invited to participate through a survey during September, followed by regional workshops scheduled for October 2026. The findings from these sessions will assist the council in developing options for a revised grants policy. Once drafted, the new framework will be presented back to the Policy, Planning and Development Committee for final consideration, potentially reshaping how grassroots kaupapa are supported across the region for the next decade.