Creative Communities Scheme – Hauraki District

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a Creative New Zealand–funded grants programme administered locally by Hauraki District Council. It supports community arts and cultural activities across the Hauraki District, including Paeroa, Waihī, and the Hauraki Plains.

Applications for Round 1 of the 2026/27 funding year are now open. Projects must take place between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027. Applications close at 4pm on Friday 11 September 2025.

There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, but awards typically range between $500 and $5,000. There are two funding rounds per year, advertised in February and July/August.

Who can apply:

Anyone — individuals, groups, or organisations — whose project meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Broad community involvement – creates opportunities for Hauraki communities to engage with and participate in arts activities
• Diversity – supports the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, celebrating their uniqueness
• Young people – enables and encourages people under 18 to engage with and actively participate in the arts

What has been funded previously:

• Exhibitions, productions, concerts, festivals, workshops, and presentations
• Activities supporting the traditions and arts of ethnic communities
• Youth arts events
• Artist-led community projects
• Materials for arts activities or programmes
• Personnel costs for one-off, short-term projects
• Promotion and publicity of arts activities
• School-based projects outside the school's normal curriculum that benefit the wider community

How to apply:

1. Read the CCS Funding for Local Arts brochure and Application Guide (available on the Hauraki District Council website)

2. Complete the Application Form

3. Email or post your completed form and supporting documents to info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz or to Creative Communities Scheme Administrator, Hauraki District Council, PO Box 17, Paeroa

**Free drop-in help sessions** are available

• Tuesday 25 August, 10am–12pm – Paeroa Library Meeting Room
• Wednesday 26 August, 10am–12pm – He Pātaka Kōrero | Hauraki Plains Library and Community Centre
• Thursday 27 August, 10am–12pm – Waihī Library Meeting Room

Applications are assessed by a community panel with representatives from the Paeroa, Plains, and Waihī wards, tangata whenua, and Hauraki District Council elected members. Contact a panel member in your area for guidance before applying.