Fund boosts community projects

Thirteen Kaipara community groups and organisations have received support through this year’s Kai Ora Fund.

This fund, which supports initiatives that improve access to nutritious, locally sourced food, received 71 applications and has awarded more than $170,000 to 44 projects across Northland.

Successful projects include food gardens, education programmes, composting initiatives, and environmental restoration projects.

Kaipara collectives that received funding include Otamatea Community Services and Maungatūroto Residents’ Association.

Kai Ora Fund partner Erana Peita says it was encouraging to see so many new applicants receiving support.

“Most projects receiving funding this year are new applicants, which is exciting because it means new ideas and initiatives are emerging in our communities.”

Since being established in 2015, the Kai Ora Fund has distributed more than $1 million to over 300 grassroots projects throughout the region.

The fund aims to help Northlanders grow, share and access healthy, sustainable local food while strengthening community resilience and food security.

To find out more about the fund visit www.kaiorafund.com