Our Road to Recovery Update - 21 June 2023
Published on 21 June 2023
In this week’s Road to Recovery Update we’ve got news on funding decisions and opportunities, along with other support available for communities and businesses – as well as what tourism marketing is underway to promote the Coromandel.
Fund allocated to support sport & physical activity in our district
Fourteen sport and active recreation groups from around the Coromandel have received funding support through the Thames-Coromandel Disaster Relief Fund for Play, Active Recreation and Sport.
Organisations and groups in our district could apply to access a share of $60,000 of funding provided by both Sport New Zealand and our Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund.
This fund supports delivery of play, active recreation, and sport impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. Applications were assessed by a panel which included our Mercury Bay Council Councillor Rekha Giri-Percival, Dr. Amy Marfell and Rob Corkill from Sport Waikato.
“We know that the sport and recreation sector is hurting as a result of storm damage and decreased mobility around our district,” says Rekha Giri-Percival. “These funding contributions will help to restore and rebuild opportunities for residents to be active despite the ongoing challenges in the community.”
The fund received 26 applications in total from a variety of sport and recreation facilities, clubs, and schools in our district.
- 14 applications were awarded totaling $59,255.10.
- 8 applications were denied.
- 4 applications will be funded by an alternative fund.
You can view a list of successful applicants here(PDF, 129KB).
Applications to the Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant end Friday 30 June
There’s still time to apply for the Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant, which is administered by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
NEMA is the Government lead for emergency management. They help build a safe and resilient Aotearoa New Zealand by empowering communities before, during and after emergencies.
The fund is intended to reimburse certain emergency costs incurred by marae, iwi, and recognised community organisations (including rural groups, Pacific organisations, and ethnic service providers) who supported people during the state of national emergency. This Fund is a faster alternative to the normal process of seeking reimbursement through local authorities for emergency response costs.
Applicants will need to meet certain eligibility criteria and conditions to receive funding.
Applications close 30 June 2023.
Find out more and apply here.
Apply for The Hauraki-Coromandel 2023/2024 Regional Event Fund (REF) in July
The REF is to help new and existing events grow and build long-term sustainable platforms. The purpose of the fund is to attract visitors from out of the region to events that will boost spending.
Our regional tourism organisation Destination Hauraki Coromandel aims to build a stronger calendar of events that will collectively showcase the essence of The Coromandel while stimulating and enhancing the economic wellbeing of the region and providing significant flow-on benefits to tourism businesses (which includes the retail and hospitality sectors) in The Coromandel.
All events will need to show that they have a clear plan and pathway to attract out-of-region visitors and not simply leverage this audience while already in the region. They must also make a commitment to local environmental protection actions.
The Fund will open in early July, in the meantime, click here or contact megan@thecoromandel.com
Social Navigators for the Coromandel appointed
Two Social Navigators are now on board to support our district’s cyclone recovery over the next 12 months.
Our Social Navigators will provide individuals and whānau with support in navigating their way through recovery after recent weather events, by connecting them up to the right agencies and support networks. They’ll also assist iwi, communities and organisations with initiatives to build resilience to enable them to support their communities through future weather events.
Meet the team
Sheryll FitzPatrick (pictured right) has worked in the community sector for over 30 years, most of those in the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts.
Sheryll has come to us from Whitianga Social Services where she has worked for the past three- and-a-half years.
sheryll.fitzpatrick@tcdc.govt.nz
Kath Makiri (pictured left) was born and raised in Coromandel Town. Kath worked for Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT) to support adult community education. She was responsible for organising courses and workshops in Coromandel Town and the wider community before going to work for Te Korowai, one of our district health providers, for over 11 years.
kathleen.makiri@tcdc.govt.nz
To connect with our Social Navigators, call 07 868 0200 or contact them directly by e-mail.
Winter our Way campaign keeps Coromandel front of mind
Destination Hauraki Coromandel will shortly activate their 2023 Winter our Way campaign which will run through till the end of August.
“Acknowledging the terrible effects on tourism for Hauraki and the Thames-Coromandel over the summer weather events, it’s our aim to keep The Coromandel in the hearts and minds of our drive market during the winter period, adding a strong push to drive conversion through operator packages and offers,” says Destination Hauraki Coromandel Marketing Manager Megan Nunn.
“With poor market perceptions, because of road damage and closures, showcasing the ease of access will be a key priority.”
This winter's campaign will align with Destination Hauraki Coromandel’s forever ‘good for your soul’ activity, supporting and encouraging visitors to give more than they take from their time here, by travelling responsibly and visiting widely.
“We want The Coromandel to be considered by Kiwis as a place to escape, recharge and reward oneself during winter. Through Winter our Way we hope to strengthen the substance of ‘good for your soul’ so it’s relevant year-round, and not just about summer and beaches. We want to change visitor perceptions and install confidence in travel to and around The Coromandel,” says Megan.
Funding HQ workshops for community groups and not-for-profit organisations
Next month,
Funding HQ is visiting our district to run four half-day fundraising workshops for community organisations. You'll gain practical advice around finding and accessing grants and funding streams to build sustainability and support your goals.
We’ve got a range of awesome events taking place in our patch over the next few months. From festivals, to classic Kiwi concerts, to sporting events – the Coromandel is open for business and ready for a good time.
Come along to an event and support the local community, and keep an eye on our events page – we’re always updating this with the latest events in our district.