Programmes ranging from boxing training to digital media production will receive significant financial support following the latest allocation from the Porirua City Council’s Young People’s Fund, aimed at positively impacting local children (tamariki) and young people (rangatahi).
The funding round included two major Tier 1 grants, providing $50,000 annually for three years, and five Tier 2 grants consisting of one-off payments of $6,000 each.
The recipients of the substantial Tier 1 funding are the Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust, which runs the Cannons Creek Boxing Academy, and Voice of Aroha.
The Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust plans to use the grant to provide its boxing programmes to local students aged 9-19 at no cost. Described by those involved as potentially “life changing” for participants, the sessions extend beyond boxing skills to include a check-in process and instilling the academy’s value system.
“This grant is acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication that the Cannons Creek Boxing Academy team and the Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust Board have put in over the last few years in growing and developing the academy to what it is today,” said Paegan Edmonds-Topia, Te Tumu Whakahaere of the Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust.
Voice of Aroha, the second Tier 1 recipient, aims to equip Porirua’s young people with the skills and confidence to share their stories, amplify their voices, and initiate positive change within their communities. Over the next three years, they will conduct workshops focusing on digital media production, podcasting, and public speaking, delving into important issues such as mental health, identity, and belonging.
A panel composed of rangatahi aged 16-24, representing a diverse cross-section of the Porirua community, collaborated with council officers to review the applications before making funding recommendations to the council.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker commented on the strength of the applications received. “Choosing the recipients this year was tough as there were so many excellent applicants,” she said. “There are many worthy projects out there for supporting our city’s young people. We’re happy to provide this assistance to a range of projects focusing on the environment, health and wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion.”
Five organisations were awarded Tier 2 funding:
- Holy Family School: For their Pa Harakeke (Harakeke Garden) project, which will feature a labyrinth made of harakeke (flax), complemented by edible and coastal plants, and designated areas for student relaxation and meditation.
- Wellness Within: To run workshops focused on educating, inspiring, and supporting children to lead healthy, balanced lives and enhance their overall wellbeing.
- Porirua Multicultural Council: For initiatives designed to support the identity of young people in Porirua from various cultural backgrounds and assist their entry into the workforce.
- Wellington Access Radio: To support the creation of three short-run radio shows or podcasts involving three distinct groups of young people in the Porirua area.
- Alofa Tunoa Trust.
This round of funding highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to investing in initiatives that foster positive development and create opportunities for Porirua’s youth.
