Trust Horizon supports marae and community halls affected by COVID-19 with $150,000 funding pool
At their February 18 meeting, Trust Horizon approved the allocation of $150,000 to create a Community COVID-19 Contribution Grant funding pool. Available to apply for from March 2022, the grant will see successful applicants receive a $1,000 contribution to go towards the facility’s power bill account.
The restrictions of COVID-19 have posed unique challenges for the region’s community facilities. For many marae and community halls, a usually busy schedule of fundraising events has been severely impacted by gathering limits – meaning the funds needed to keep these facilities up and running are stretched.
Sue McGillivray, of the Nukuhou North Settlers Hall Committee, says that the $1,000 grant would cover more than half the community hall’s annual power bill. “We usually have three big events throughout the year to help fundraise for our power and insurance costs,” says McGillivray. “COVID-19 event number restrictions have meant we’ve had to scale this back to just small catering events, which has had a real effect on our available funds. Our monthly power costs are $158 even when the power is off, so the support of the Trust will go a very long way.”
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Chairman, Joe Harawira, also believes the grant will be of great help. “Covid has had a major impact on our community over the past two years. Whānau, hapū and iwi have had to become resourceful to adjust to the demands with regards to continuation of our protocols on and around the marae and within the community, to keep our whānau safe,” says Harawira. “Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa very much value, and are appreciative of, the support from Trust Horizon in building our communities in a spirit of collaboration”.
Eligible applicants need to be located in the Eastern Bay. They must be either iwi authorities (on behalf of their marae) or committees operating community halls whose electricity costs are not funded by the district councils.
“Marae and community halls create a sense of community and bring people together. They provide a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational activities, as well as important gathering points in civil emergencies,” says Trust Horizon board Chair, David Glover. “It’s vital that they continue to thrive while dealing with the ongoing impact of COVID-19, and we’re pleased to be able to offer our support with this initiative.”
Applications will be considered at each monthly Trust meeting, and grants will continue to be available until 1 April 2023, or until the $150,000 funding pool is fully allocated. Those who wish to apply can visit our funding application page for full details. Or contact the Trust directly at 07 307 0893.