Funding success strikes a chord with community groups

Nearly $30,000 in funding is to be distributed among eight community groups in a bumper payday during the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board’s September meeting.

The biggest winner was the Te Reo Piriwiritua Brass Band which was granted $8000 towards celebrating 90 years since its founding.

The band has around 35 members ranging in ages from 10 to 75. Celebrations to mark its anniversary will run from 11-13 October at the Okorihi Marae in Kaikohe with more than 200 people are expected to attend the event which includes speakers, presentations, local tours, and a celebratory four-course meal.

Three sports organisations also scored a significant slice of funding. Kohukohu Fishing, Hunting and Sports Club was granted $6000 towards the maintenance of the Motukohu fields. The facilities are well used by all ages but keeping the grounds up to standard has put financial pressure on the local community.

Bay of Islands Hockey Association and Kaikohe Rugby Football and Sports Club were each granted $5000.

The funding for the Bay of Islands Hockey Association will go towards hosting the NZ National Masters Tournament in Kaikohe next year which is the sport’s premier national event. The competition will draw in more than 90 teams, with around 1500 participants, and is expected to have a significant economic impact in the area. It also gives local schools, community groups, hockey players and all sports fans a chance to rub shoulders with high-level players. The event takes place from 23 February to 1 March 2025.

Kaikohe Rugby Football and Sports Club will use its funding to host a 2024 reunion of members past and present. Up to 400 people are expected to attend from across Aotearoa and around the globe. The club will showcase the local area with visits to the Ngāwhā Hot Springs, Kaikohe Golf Club, the Ngāwhā Innovation & Enterprise Park, Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and the Pioneer Village. The event runs from 18-19 October.

Other community groups that received funding are:

·         $2000 to Man vs Wild for its youth camp at Mahinepua Bay, Matauri, on 9 October

·         $2000 to SMC Events for its Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Try Challenge

·         $1000 to Ōkaihau Whanau House for maintenance and security cameras

·         $404 to The Centre towards a trip for students from Kaikohe West School to see Children Are Stinky at the Turner Centre, Kerikeri.

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Pictured: The NZ National Masters Tournament is being held in Kaikohe next year.