Check out our latest news and stories about the mahi and projects the Trust is involved with around the region.

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October distributions

October grants back services, events and community development

Trust Tairāwhiti has approved more than $316k in its October funding round, supporting 16 organisations and initiatives across the region.

Gizzy Kai Rescue (GKR) is the largest recipient, receiving…

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First Focus Fund projects target taiao and rangatahi outcomes

Trust Tairāwhiti has approved funding for four projects through its new Focus Funds, targeting long-term outcomes for the taiao and rangatahi across Tairāwhiti.

The Taiao and Rangatahi Focus Funds…

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Latest funding round supports cultural, rangatahi and community wellbeing initiatives

Trust Tairāwhiti has approved funding for eight organisations delivering initiatives that support community wellbeing across the region.

Te Aitanga a Mahaki Trust was the largest recipient…

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Trust supports next chapter for Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival (TTAF) is growing its offerings across the region, moving beyond a festival-only experience to a year-round programme of events and creative opportunities.

Trust…

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Ūawa Laundromat

A new laundromat in Tolaga Bay is improving access to laundry services for East Coast communities, while leading the way in sustainable community infrastructure with a wetland system and on-site…

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Slash for Cash

Slash for Cash is turning wood debris into opportunity, helping communities restore their whenua while building local jobs and income.

Trust Tairāwhiti supported the Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable…

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Solar project powers hands-on learning at East Coast kura

Solar technology installed through the Trust Tairāwhiti School Pool Solar Project is becoming a hands-on learning tool for East Coast tauira (students).

The Trust invested $3.5m towards the school…

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Women's Native Tree Project Trust

More than 20,000 native plants have been donated to marae, kura and community groups across Tairāwhiti over the past three years, thanks to the work of the Women’s Native Tree Project Trust…

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SuperGrans

SuperGrans Tairāwhiti Trust is expanding its impact across the region, with a growing focus on education, resilience and long-term wellbeing for whānau.

Trust Tairāwhiti approved $172k over two…

August distributions

August distributions

In the August funding round, just over $190k in distributions were approved by Trust Tairāwhiti.

Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council were the largest funding recipient, receiving $50k towards their…

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Flood Relief Day brings recovery resources to the Coast

Trailers stacked with fence posts, community service stalls and kai carts set the scene in Te Araroa for the East Cape Flood Relief Day, bringing practical support directly to communities still…

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Rua Bioscience programmes building local capability

Rua Bioscience programmes are helping East Coast rangatahi pursue new opportunities while growing local skills and capability across a range of sectors.

Its programmes range from scholarships for…

Te Kahika Marae

Marae Solar Project expands to 34 marae

More marae across Tairāwhiti will soon benefit from improved energy resilience as the Marae Solar Project, coordinated by Trust Tairāwhiti, expands to include 12 more marae, bringing the total number…

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Crowds gather to celebrate the opening of the Rugby Park grandstand

Hundreds of spectators gathered at Gisborne's Rugby Park for the Heartland Classic, where the Poverty Bay Weka took on the Classic All Blacks in an exhibition match celebrating the official opening…

July distributions

Safer community spaces supported in latest distribution round

Trust Tairāwhiti approved more than $214k in funding in its most recent funding round.

High School Old Boys Sports Club will receive the largest distribution, totalling $60.5k, for urgent clubhouse…

Manutuke Hapori Hub

Manutuke Hapori Hub

A building once set for demolition will soon become a dedicated hapori (community) hub for Manutuke, fulfilling a vision from the local community dating back to the 1980s.

The Manutuke Community…

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CoastFit35 creating stronger East Coast communities

CoastFit35 is using fitness as a vehicle for hauora, confidence and opportunity on the East Coast. 

After returning home to Tikitiki in 2025, experienced CrossFit athlete Tina-Mei Harrison saw a…

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June distributions

In the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding round, $94k was approved to support two regional events and four community initiatives, aimed at enhancing local wellbeing and attracting visitation during the…