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Local community groups, schools and not-for-profits are being invited to apply for a share of $380,000 to support projects that cut emissions and reduce climate impacts.
Applications for Auckland Council’s Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund opened on October 12 and close on November 16.
The fund is part of Auckland Council’s Te Ara Urutau community resilience programme, which supports local responses to climate change and future challenges. Last year, it backed more than 70 projects across Auckland, covering emergency preparedness, climate adaptation and emissions reduction.
Auckland Council Community Committee chair Julie Fairey says even small community-led ideas can make a significant difference.
“Whether it’s helping people get around differently, connecting communities to adapt to climate impacts, supporting communities to prepare for emergencies, or finding new ways to cut emissions, Aucklanders know best how to support one another,” she says.
“Te Ara Urutau is about giving those ideas a helping hand. Don’t assume your project is too small. Some of the biggest changes start with a handful of people deciding to do things differently.”
Auckland Council senior community resilience investment specialist Joy Saunders says the fund welcomes practical, creative projects shaped by local knowledge.
“People know their neighbourhoods best. We want to back practical, creative ideas that make a real difference and inspire others to get involved.”
“So whether you’re dreaming up a repair café, a bike-buddy scheme, a community energy project, a food-sharing initiative or something nobody has thought of yet, now’s the time to put “your idea forward.
After all, the next great climate solution might already be sitting around a community hall table, waiting for someone to give it a go.”
Previous council climate funding supported Ride & Rail Auckland, a partnership between Counties Manukau Sport and Bike Pukekohe that helped South Aucklanders aged 60-plus replace some car trips with train and e-bike travel.
Over eight weeks, participants learned to navigate Auckland’s rail network and cycleways. More than 150 people took up bike-and-train travel for errands, appointments and social visits, with new riding groups forming as confidence grew.
“Not bad for what started as a local community idea,” Council said.
Applications for the $380,000 fund opened on October 12 and close on November 16, with funding decisions due in March 2027. A second round will focus on community-led adaptation and emergency preparedness.
