Aucklanders can look forward to participating in a wide variety of community activities over the summer as funds are released under the government’s Local Activation Programme.
This contestable fund has been set up to increase participation in arts and cultural events for Auckland families, revitalising town centres, enhancing wellbeing in our community and boosting social and economic recovery in our region.
The fund supports initiatives that build on or complement the calendar of activities, activations and events in Auckland over the summer. It is available to a range of organisations to develop new summer programmes, enhance existing programmes, activations and activities, and enable free events for Aucklanders. Auckland Unlimited is administering the contestable fund on behalf of the government.
The fund is open for new applications until 4 March, for activities that run until 3 April. See FAQs and more information here.
Local Activation Programme Phase 1 Activities
- Out and About Town Centre Bike Tours in Otara (The Community Builders Trust): A dedicated bike hub in Otara Town Centre enabling families to experience their local area and meet other members of the community (starts 6 January)
- Summer Fun Programme (hosted by the Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust): Various free activities in local parks, reserves and neighbourhoods (from 6 January)
- Free Whanau Hākinikina Fun Day in Manurewa (All Seasons Community Sports Trust): Family-friendly touch rugby, tug-of-war, novelty events and hangi, supporting Māori and Pacific communities (8 January)
- Free public access to Era and the Kaitiaki, Lake House Arts Centre Takapuna: A family-friendly, outdoor theatre show premier (ends 8 January)
- Squash School Holiday Programme (Auckland-wide, hosted by Squash AKL Inc): Family-focused programmes to encourage people who have never engaged with before to learn to play the game (between 10 and 20 January)
- Whau Pasifika Trust School Ready Programme in Avondale: A daily programme of wellbeing events to encourage confidence and motivation for school aged children (10-28 January)
- Mautauranga Māori Programme (Te Whangai Trust): Encourage and educate the community on native plants, variety of free programmes at the Native Plant Nursery in the CBD (10-28 January)
- Summer Movies at the Beach (Takapuna Beach Business Association): Four free movie nights and children’s activities in a safe, family friendly environment (15 January – 12 February)
- Free Live Recording Music Series around Karangahape Road (Raynham Park Limited): Local artists, Māori and Pasifika shows in various areas in and around K-Road (17-30 January)
- Tautai Open Ocean Day (Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust): A free community open day with talanoa, creative performances, local artists and workshop demonstrations on 29 January
- Front Yard Festival (Te Rehia Theatre): Wellbeing initiative reaching out to rest homes and the homes of the elderly/kaumātua across Auckland (17 January – 27 March)
- Auckland International Buskers Festival (Crackerjack Promotions): Implementing COVID-19 Protection Framework to help encourage people back into the CBD (26 January – 31 January)
- Free access to ID51 Improv Thursday night performances (Dominion Road), supporting the local music industry and artists (21 January – 31 March)
- Free school performance at Stab in the Dark at Q Theatre (Nightsong): Free access performance for lower decile secondary schools, with an engagement programme that includes a post-show hui with cast and creatives, and educational resources for students (March).
- Ice Cream Sundae (Auckland Waterfront): Free event with themed ice-cream games and workshops, DJs, live performances and modern twists on ice-cream inspired drinks from the bar. (Sunday 27 March, 12pm-8pm)
- Pasifika Festival (Western Springs Park): Free three-day cultural festival supporting 10 island villages, showcasing performances, music, craft and food, arts and fashion. (18 March – 20 March)
- Tāmaki Makaurau Anniversary Market, Music and Food Festival (The Cloud, CBD): Free entry to iconic NZ acts, a high-quality maker-market for homewares, design, craft, jewellery, toys and baked goods, free workshops and a wide range of food trucks. (30 January - 31 January)
- North West Country Family Festivals (Huapai, Helensville, Kaukakapa): Free event over 5 Sundays with stalls, exhibitions and food trucks showcasing local musicians, artists, craftspeople, and environmental groups (February – March 2022)
About the fund
The fund is open to cultural organisations and venues, Mana whenua and Mataawaka organisations and groups, event organisers, council, local boards and business improvement districts and business associations.
Conditions of funding and criteria include being able to demonstrate increased community access and engagement, using My Vaccine Pass and being able to deliver the event or activity under the Covid Protection Framework (see detailed criteria here).
Funding recommendations are assessed by a steering group, with representatives from MBIE Auckland Council, Auckland Unlimited and sector representation.