Auckland Council has awarded grants to advance community climate action with a focus on Māori-led initiatives.
The council has approved $260,000 from a total funding pool of $372,451 to support 11 community-led initiatives addressing climate change projects from sustainable water infrastructure to increasing access to bikes.
The Auckland Climate Grant programme was established in 2021 and is part of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.
It’s funded through the council’s long-term plan 2024-2034 by the climate investment package and general rates.
The grant is designed to support community-led climate action and focuses on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate impacts, and support Māori-led climate responses.
This year’s recipients were selected from a pool of 42 applications requesting more than $1.6 million.
Successful projects span critical areas, including transport, energy, food systems, and Māori-led initiatives, with funding allocations ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.
Deputy chair of the community committee councillor Julie Fairey commends the community’s commitment to climate action.
“The Auckland Climate Grant scheme supports our communities as they take meaningful local action for our climate.
“This year’s recipients highlight the creativity and collaboration we need to effectively reduce emissions, while we also increase resilience across Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The council’s support for these projects not only empowers Aucklanders to work on our climate challenges. It helps us all to build a fairer future across our region.”
The grant programme aligns with the council’s commitment to prioritising Māori-led projects, with three of the 11 funded initiatives directly led by Māori organisations.
These projects integrate Te Ao Māori principles and actively support Māori communities in leading climate solutions.
Projects from Whenua Warrior and Gardens4Health received co-funding from both the Auckland Climate Grant and storm response budgets, reflecting their alignment with council goals for climate resilience and recovery.
The council will allocate the remaining $112,451 in the grant budget through upcoming response funding rounds, ensuring continued support for impactful community initiatives.
For more information on the Auckland Climate Grant and eligibility criteria, click here.
