Auckland Council is inviting communities in Rānui and Henderson to put forward ideas that will help strengthen local wellbeing, connection and resilience through two new community-led funds.
The funds are the next stage of a longer-term programme of recovery mahi in Rānui and Henderson following the 2023 severe weather events. The programme has supported mana whenua, local organisations and communities to understand local experiences and aspirations and develop shared plans for the future: Whiti Te Rā in Rānui and Mau te Rongo in Henderson.
Auckland Council says these community-led plans reflect what local people have said matters most and provide a shared direction for recovery, resilience and collective action. The Council has provided $150,000 for each community to begin turning those priorities into action.
It says local people will also help decide which initiatives receive funding, using participatory processes grounded in community knowledge and priorities.
In Henderson, Mau te Rongo sets out a community-led vision for recovery, resilience and connection. Developed through a partnership between Te Kawerau ā Maki, MPHS Community Trust and the wider community, the plan focuses on restoring balance and strengthening connections between people, place and relationships.
The Purapura Community Fund (Henderson) is open until Friday 4 September.
“This is your chance to be part of shaping a stronger, safer and more connected Te Koopua / Henderson. After the 2023 severe weather events, recovery is still real for many whānau, neighbourhoods and community groups,” says Vinetta Plummer, Kaimahi Hapori – Community Officer (Recovery) for Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust.
“Through the Purapura Community Fund, local people can put forward ideas that help our community heal, prepare and thrive together.”
Ideas might bring neighbours together, support tamariki and rangatahi, make public spaces safer and more welcoming, improve access to kai and services, share local stories, strengthen connections to whenua and awa, or deepen people’s sense of belonging.
In Rānui, Whiti Te Rā is a shared community vision and living plan shaped by local whānau, tamariki, rangatahi, kaumātua and community groups, the Council says.
Developed through a partnership between Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Rānui Accord and the wider community movement Whiti Mai Rānui, the plan brings together what local people said matters most, what is already working well and where collective effort should focus next.
Its 14 priorities span areas including community leadership, housing security, whānau wellbeing, emergency preparedness, impacted neighbourhoods and the environment.
“Whiti Te Rā reflects what local people said matters most,” says Ms Plummer.
To bring these priorities to life, the community is inviting expressions of interest from whānau, neighbours, local groups and community organisations for the Purapura Community Fund (Rānui). Expressions of interest are open until Friday 18 September.
“Ideas could include safe activities for tamariki and rangatahi, kai initiatives, whānau wellbeing, local learning and skill-sharing, flood recovery support, environmental restoration, emergency readiness, or projects that bring people together in welcoming shared spaces,” Ms Plummer said.
To learn more about the Henderson fund, share an idea or to join the wānanga, visit purapura.org for more information.
To learn more about the Rānui fund, share an idea, or to join the wānanga, visit whitimairanui.org.nz/purapura.
