Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund

Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund

Approximately $1.7 million is available in 2026/27 to help community organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau reduce emissions, prepare for emergencies and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Round 1

Reducing Our Climate Impact

Applications open – closes 16 November 2026

Explore Round 1 details

Round 2

Community-led Adaptation and Emergency Preparedness

Opens 25 January 2027

Explore Round 2 details

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A journey to a resilient Tāmaki Makaurau

Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund helps community organisations, local groups and partners take meaningful action on climate change and strengthen community resilience. Approximately $1.7 million is available through the fund in 2026/27.

The fund supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare communities for emergencies, and help people plan for and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

It brings previous and new Auckland Council funding together into one programme, creating a clearer pathway for communities to access climate and resilience funding.

Explore previously funded projects

2026/27 funding rounds

Funding is available through two rounds, depending on the focus of your project.

Supporting community-led projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through transport, food, energy and community participation.

Explore Round 1

Supporting communities to prepare for emergencies and plan for and respond to the impacts of a changing climate.

Explore Round 2

Not sure where to start?

Find your funding pathway

Not sure whether your project fits Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund or which funding round is best for your project? Answer a few questions about your project and we'll help point you towards the best place to start.

Find your funding pathway

This tool provides guidance only. Please check the full eligibility criteria and funding guidelines before applying.

Round 1 $380,000 available

Reducing Our Climate Impact

This round supports community-led projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Tāmaki Makaurau.

What can be funded?

Projects in this round can focus on one of the following areas.

Transport

Promote public transport, walking, biking, e-bikes and other mobility options that reduce car trips.

Food

Food and food systems projects supporting sustainable diets or projects reconnecting communities with indigenous food growing traditions.

Energy

Low carbon energy system projects including education and events encouraging uptake of renewable systems and retrofitting of facilities.

Community participation

Increasing community participation in projects that reduce emissions, through events, education and community networks.

Key dates

Applications open 12 October 2026

Online webinar 20 October, 12PM Register here

Drop-in sessions

4 November, 10:30am–1pm 13 November, 1–4pm

Applications close 16 November 2026

Funding decisions March 2027

Applications

Ready to apply?

Community groups ready to apply should do so through the SmartyGrants application form before the 16 November application deadline.

Applications open – closes 16 November 2026 Apply through SmartyGrants

This is the only opportunity this year for groups to apply for emission reduction funding, replacing the multiple application opportunities offered previously.

Resources

Before you apply

Read the funding guidelines and frequently asked questions, or watch the video about how to apply for Round 1. Accessible formats are available below.

Watch: How to apply for Round 1

Watch the application video for Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund – Round 1.

Use the full-screen control in the video player to watch at a larger size.

Guidelines and FAQs

Read the full Round 1 guidelines and frequently asked questions before completing your application.

Download Round 1 guidelines Download Round 1 FAQs

Accessible formats

Word versions of the guidelines and FAQs are available, along with four Easy Read documents that explain the fund, project categories, how to apply and Round 2.

Guidelines (Word) FAQs (Word) Easy Read Part 1 – About the fund (Word) Easy Read Part 2 – Round 1 project categories (Word) Easy Read Part 3 – How to apply (Word) Easy Read Part 4 – About Round 2 (Word)

Looking for examples?

Explore community-led climate projects previously supported through Auckland Council funding.

See previously funded projects

Round 2 $1.4 million available

Community-led Adaptation and Emergency Preparedness

This round will support communities to prepare for emergencies and plan for and respond to the impacts of a changing climate.

What will this round support?

Funding will support the following areas and full guidelines will be available in December 2026.

Emergency preparedness

Helping communities work together to prepare for emergencies.

Community-led climate adaptation

Supporting communities to understand, plan for and take action in response to climate-related disruption, including flooding, drought, sea-level rise and coastal change.

Key dates

Applications open 25 January 2027

Applications close 22 February 2027

Funding decisions May 2027

Support

Need help?

If you have questions about Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund, eligibility or the application process, contact our grants team.

Contact a funding advisor

Previously funded projects

See what community funding can make possible

In 2025/26, 87 community-led resilience projects across Tāmaki Makaurau received Auckland Council funding to reduce emissions, strengthen emergency readiness and support community-led climate adaptation.

Explore the organisations, kaupapa and projects supported through previous funding.

View 2025/26 funded projects

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