Community Groups Secure In New City

The future of hundreds of community groups is secure under the new Auckland Council.

The Auckland Transition Agency (ATA), which is managing the merger of the region’s existing Councils has confirmed funding and leases through until June 2012.

The executive chairman of the ATA, Mark Ford, says the move is a huge relief for organisations he describes as: “the glue that holds our communities together”.

“Naturally some groups were concerned about their future. But the partnerships, contracts and in some cases straight out grants they receive are the difference between them delivering fantastic social services or simply shutting up shop.”

“I’m delighted that we have been able to confirm their funding through until the 2012-2013 financial year.”

The funding agreements involve hundreds of groups and total around $11million. The groups involved cover a wide spectrum- for example sport and recreation, the arts and culture, environmental organisations, and those involved in protecting the region’s historical features and facilities.

Many also have leases to occupy council-owned land or buildings. Those leases due for renewal have also been extended until mid-2012.

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