Funding Community Climate Action

Communities get $1.7m boost to prepare for climate disruption and emergencies

Auckland Council is investing in community-led climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau, with more than $1.7 million awarded through the first round of Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund.

More than 70 community organisations will deliver projects that help Aucklanders prepare for emergencies, reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change impacts.

Auckland Council’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kataraina Maki, says investing in communities is key to building resilience across the region.

“We know climate change is already affecting our communities. Supporting communities to lead their own preparedness, identify the main hazards that will impact them and how they can take action to mitigate and adapt will ultimately increase resilience across the region.”

The projects to receive support span a range of priorities with emergency readiness representing around 70% of initiatives and involving more than 55 successful community groups, reflecting heightened needs following recent flooding and severe storms.

Alongside this, around a quarter of projects focus on climate adaptation, supporting 19 organisations to help protect the people, places and taonga they value most from increasing climate risks. A further 8% of projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to long-term climate solutions.

Around 33 Community Emergency Hubs and Marae will receive resource packages to support them in emergencies and three communities vulnerable to tsunami will also be supported through the Tsunami Resilience Action Plan Fund.

Community Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Fairey says:

“Preparing for climate-related emergencies is vital for Tāmaki Makaurau. Local connections are key to building resilience and supporting effective responses when events occur.

Council plays an important role in enabling local action, and it’s great to see so many well-connected groups supported to help their communities get ready.”

Funded projects reflect the diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau, with initiatives led by iwi, Pacific organisations, ethnic communities, environmental groups, and neighbourhood networks.

Round two of Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund is expected to open in the next financial year, shaped by learnings from this first round.

Learn more about the Fund and view the full list of the latest grant recipients.