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 were established in response to priorities identified through the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey, with dedicated funding for projects that can create transformational change. These first investments will support two projects focused on restoring and protecting the taiao, and two focused on rangatahi leadership, wellbeing and future opportunities.
Taiao Focus Fund recipients:
Waimata Catchment Group Incorporated will receive just over $245k over three years towards a total project cost of $494.6k. The project will expand predator management from about 6,500 hectares to 9,000 hectares across indigenous bush, farms and forestry. It includes predator and possum control, ecological monitoring, habitat and wetland restoration, biodiversity workshops and shared learning with landowners.
He Awa Ora, He Tai Ora, Healthy Rivers, Living Sea Education Trust will receive $215k for one year towards a total project cost of $900k. The project will support freshwater monitoring and restoration efforts across Tairāwhiti. They will work with at least five catchment groups and five iwi and hapū on more than 30 rivers and streams. Work will include protecting inanga spawning areas, restoring wetlands and riparian habitats, native planting and integrating mātauranga Māori, environmental science and tikanga into restoration planning and delivery.
Rangatahi Focus Fund recipients:
Te Ora Hou Te Tairāwhiti Trust will receive $280k over two years for Poipoia Collective, supporting 80 to 100 rangatahi to build leadership, confidence and practical capability. Rangatahi will lead projects, receive mentoring and connect with industry and community partners, with pathways into education, employment, enterprise and ongoing leadership opportunities.
Te Kura a Wao Charitable Trust will receive $200k over two years towards a total project cost of $568.5k for Rangatahi ki Rangatira, a kaupapa Māori outdoor learning and train-the-trainer programme. It will support at least 60 rangatahi and 10 kaimahi to build confidence, resilience, leadership and practical skills, with pathways into tuakana roles, further education, training, volunteering and employment.
An external panel of local taiao and rangatahi leaders, alongside Trust management, assessed presentations from four shortlisted applicants for each fund. Projects were considered against the fund criteria, including their potential for transformational change and ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
The next Focus Fund round will open in 2027.