Following being accepted onto the Department of Internal Affairs Community Led Development programme ten months ago, representatives from Te Kopuru are now about to sign the partnership agreement for five years. Violet Hutchinson, a representative for Te Kopuru, is excited that this is finally happening. She goes on to say “It has taken this long to get all of the ducks in a row as we are not taking such a big step lightly”.

This funding model aligns with the same principles Sport New Zealand has for the Locally Led Development.  The five guiding principles developed include;

Grow from shared local visions

Build from strengths

Work with diverse people and sectors

Grow collaborative local leadership

Learn by doing

This is also supported by the DIA staff working alongside the community as well as designated funding from DIA to support the community’s vision. This opens many doors for this community as it will be a catalyst for change and strengthening community capacity.

The Te Kopuru Community Development Group have also been busy submitting applications to funders and Council, and in the overall planning for the TK Domain. During this journey, the community has received $30,000 to build a pump track on the Te Kopuru Domain and $14,000 for a professional concept plan. The community has also received a License to Develop from Kaipara District Council to develop the first stage of the plan which encompasses the pump track, installation of the Pop-Up Gym, 3 on 3 Basketball court and playground. 

Other projects in Te Kopuru have included a Matariki and Halloween celebration with the community at the Boat Shed, the successful funding from Kaipara District Council community fund to install spouting, plumbing and a water tank at the community gardens. A successful grant was received from the Hughes fund of $500 to support the water articulation at the gardens and the Kai Ora fund for gardening supplies. Other successful grant applications have been for a mural for the boat shed in Te Kopuru from Lotteries Communities and bollards for the Domain from KDC.

If you would like to know more check out the Te Kopuru Development Group, check out their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TKCommunityFunPark/.