Residents of flood-damaged Māngere to help allocate $300,000 local recovery fund

Three years after flooding in Māngere displaced hundreds of people and left more than 200 homes unsafe, residents of the South Auckland suburb will help decide how a $300,000 recovery fund is spent.

Applications are open for the Auckland Council-funded Māngere Stronger Together Recovery Fund, which will support projects focused on community wellbeing, local leadership, access to support and emergency preparedness.

Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli said the fund would help turn local ideas into action as Māngere continued to recover from the 2023 severe weather events.

“While significant progress has been made over the past three years, we know recovery does not happen overnight,” she said.

“Recovery is about people. It is about reconnecting communities, rebuilding confidence, and ensuring residents feel prepared for the future.”

The fund will bring the priorities of the Māngere Stronger Together Recovery Plan to life.

Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli says the fund will help turn community ideas into action. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata.

The Māngere Recovery Leadership Rōpū developed the plan and fund after hearing from residents, whānau, schools, faith groups and community organisations.

Individuals, whānau, grassroots and faith-based groups, local networks and community organisations can apply.

Up to $20,000 is available for smaller projects, while larger initiatives with a broader community impact can apply for between $20,001 and $50,000.

Projects must be based in Māngere, benefit its communities, and support at least one of four priorities: social connection and wellbeing, leadership and capability, education and self-advocacy, or community-led emergency readiness and resilience.

Possible projects include wellbeing initiatives, support for displaced whānau, rangatahi leadership programmes, help navigating insurance and other services, or neighbourhood emergency planning.

Community members discuss priorities for the Māngere Stronger Together Recovery Plan. Photo/Auckland Council

Applicants do not have to be registered organisations, as those without legal status can work with an umbrella organisation to receive and administer the funding on their behalf.

Fuli said people who lived and worked in Māngere were best placed to identify what the community needed.

“Some of the best solutions come from people who know their community best, and that is the people who live, work, and volunteer here every day.”

The Māngere Recovery Leadership Rōpū will review the applications and select projects that are achievable and likely to benefit the community.

Shortlisted applicants will pitch their ideas at Māngere Market on October 10, where the community will vote on which projects receive funding. Pitches can include a presentation, video, song or dance.

“Importantly, the community will have a direct say in deciding which projects receive funding,” Fuli said.

“Through the showcase and voting process, local knowledge and local priorities will help guide investment decisions.”

The rōpū will make the final allocations after the event to ensure the full $300,000 is distributed, and the selected projects cover the fund’s four priorities.

Expressions of interest close on Sunday, September 20.

Funding decisions are expected by October 31, and successful projects must be completed by May 30, 2027.

Applications can be submitted through the online expression-of-interest form.

Community members contribute ideas to the Māngere Stronger Together Recovery Plan. Photo/Auckland Council

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.