In December, Trust Tairāwhiti approved $156k in the final funding round of the year.
Tūranga Health received the largest distribution this month with $50k to help deliver insulation upgrades for homes in-need, in partnership with Trust Tairāwhiti and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority.
Tūranga Health identifies eligible homes and manages the upgrades to create warmer, drier and healthier living environments. The Trust’s funding enables the supply and installation of insulation, along with whānau engagement and project coordination.
Other Communities Funding recipients this month include:
- Gisborne City Vintage Railway: $30k towards building a new passenger platform and replacing their Hi-Rail truck.
- Tairāwhiti Māori Women’s Welfare Centre: $25k towards building repairs and painting of Te Rau Aroha Cottage in Te Puia Springs. The cottage provides accommodation for those with sick whānau staying at Ngāti Porou Hauora (Te Puia Springs Hospital).
- Tairāwhiti Community Law Centre: $5k to support the delivery of a series of free community information sessions about changes to the Incorporated Societies Act.
- Tairāwhiti Cultural Festival and Events: $3k to support hosting the Hiroshima Peace Exhibition in April 2026.
Regional Event Funding recipients:
- Albatros Travel: $15k to support marketing efforts for the First Light Marathon.
- Surfing New Zealand: $10k to support the delivery of the 2026 National Surfing Championships, taking place from 11 – 17 January 2026 in Tairāwhiti.
- NZ Offshore Powerboat Association: $3k towards the Thunder Out East – Gisborne Offshore Powerboat race.
The Regional Events Fund exists to help attract and support events that promote Tairāwhiti as a visitor destination. Events should be supported by our communities and, through visitor attraction, support economic growth.
Feasibility Funding recipient:
- GroCo Limited: $15k towards a feasibility study that will test and grow markets to protect the local wine-making sector against current economic challenges.
The Trust’s Feasibility Fund enables research to assess the viability and potential success of projects that aspire to benefit communities and economic growth in Tairāwhiti.
All successful projects are strongly aligned with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora.