Trust Tairāwhiti backs 16 projects with more than $316k in grants

Trust Tairāwhiti has approved more than $316k for 16 organisations and initiatives across the region in its October funding round.

Gizzy Kai Rescue (GKR) receives $90k to redistribute surplus kai from local supermarkets, growers and producers to community organisations. The aim is to reduce food insecurity and food waste.

GKR has around 40 volunteers, one paid staff member and 13 food suppliers. It distributes nearly 250 food parcels each week.

Community fund grants also go to eight other recipients. The Cancer Society of NZ Gisborne East Coast Centre Trust gets $23.5k for a vehicle so its Supportive Care Coordinator can reach people with cancer in rural and isolated communities.

Toimata Foundation receives $20k for Te Tira Taiao environmental and cultural learning activities in Waipiro Bay and Te Puia Springs. The Gisborne Museum of Art and History Trust gets $20k to return the Rongowhakaata taonga Tāwhaki from Munich to Tairāwhiti.

The Poverty Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Association receives $15k towards the 2026 Poverty Bay A&P Show. Gisborne District Council gets $15k for ‘It’s a Gizzy Christmas’, a free Christmas event and parade, and another $15k for activities and entertainment at Fire in the Sky 2027.

The Nest Collective NZ Charitable Trust gets $15k to provide free essential baby items to whānau experiencing hardship. Sunshine Service Incorporated receives $10k towards door-to-door transport for older people and those with limited mobility.

In the regional events fund, Surf City Rod & Custom Club Incorporated gets $15k for the 2027 Rod Run in Gisborne from 22 to 25 January 2027. The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women Incorporated receives $10k for visitor-attraction activities linked to the Together We Rise: Women in Business Conference in Gisborne from 1 to 2 May 2027.

In the feasibility fund, Gisborne Pirates Rugby Football Club Incorporated gets $40k for a study into a financially sustainable, community-focused multi-sport hub in Kaiti.

The trust says all successful applications aligned strongly with its wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora. Guidelines for the Community, Regional Events and Feasibility funds are on its website.