The Auckland Council is stepping up with a new initiative called Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund. They’re putting over $1 million on the table to help local community groups in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland tackle climate change and prepare for emergencies.
This fund is designed to support projects that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions and help communities get ready for extreme weather events. The council is combining past and new funding sources to create a simpler application process, making it easier for groups to access these essential funds.
Councillor Richard Hills, who leads the planning committee, shared that community groups wanted a streamlined process. “This fund responds to that feedback,” he said. It aims to empower all kinds of organizations—whether they’re community groups, schools, or local Māori organizations—to make a positive impact.
The emergency funding can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the project. This helps communities prepare for natural disasters and extreme weather. Additionally, there’s money available specifically for projects focused on reducing emissions. Projects can also fall under climate adaptation planning, where funding requests can go up to $40,000.
The council believes that when organizations have access to these funds, they can transform good ideas into real solutions. This aligns with recent findings from the Local Government New Zealand report, showing that local climate action is gaining traction across New Zealand, with 76% of local councils setting up initiatives to combat climate change.
Applications for this fund open on February 2 and close on March 8. Decisions will be announced before the end of May. For more details about the application process, interested groups can visit the Auckland Council website.
The urgency for such initiatives is underscored by the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters. According to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), New Zealand is facing climate impacts that demand timely and effective community responses. The Te Ara Urutau fund is a big step toward ensuring that Aucklanders remain resilient in the face of these challenges.
Source link
adapt to impacts of changing climate,Auckland Climate Grant,Auckland Council,chair of the policy,Councillor Richard Hills,planning and development committee,prepare for emergencies,reduce greenhouse gas emissions,Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland,Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund
