Kaitiaki Grant applications now open

A new fund is now available to support initiatives and small projects that build capacity and capability within iwi, hapū or Māori land trusts. Applications open from 1 July 2025 and can be submitted throughout the financial year. Projects can apply for up to $5000 and is open to iwi, hapū and Māori land trusts.

For more information, please contact He Ara Taituarā Fund coordinator, Margaret Courtney 

Eastern Bay bus network review – feedback closing soon

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reviewing bus services across the Eastern Bay. With no new funding, the focus is on making the most of what we’ve got – improving routes where we can and rethinking services that aren’t working.

This is the final day to have a say. If public transport is important to your whānau or your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Tukua tō kōrero – local buses, local voices.

Host a ‘Meet the Candidates’ event-funding available

Community groups are invited to apply for funding to host free public Meet the Candidates events ahead of the upcoming Regional Council election. These events offer a valuable opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates and ask questions.

To support this, the Regional Council may contribute up to $500 (incl. GST) towards actual and reasonable event costs. To be eligible events must be open to the public and fair to all candidates. Funding applications must be approved before the event. Full criteria is available on our website.

Applications close Monday 29 September 2025. To apply, email: Elections2025@boprc.govt.nz

Mātauranga Māori solutions at Te Tūkohu Ngāwha Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair

Future environmental leaders were put to the test at the recent Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair, where rangatahi from across the region showcased innovative projects addressing some of the biggest challenges facing te taiao.

The event invited students to explore real-world environmental issues and present solutions grounded in mātauranga Māori. Their work offered unique perspectives on how we can protect and restore the natural world.

A special congratulations to Pāpāmoa Primary, who received the Bay of Plenty Regional Council-sponsored Te Mana o Te Wai Enhancement Award for their project using wetland plants to clean polluted water in the Wairākei Stream. Their work was inspired by genuine concern for the health of their local environment — a fantastic example of rangatahi-led innovation for te taiao.

Join our team – Committee Advisor role now open

Are you passionate about supporting good governance and democratic decision-making? We’re currently inviting applications for a Committee Advisor role here at Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

As Committee Advisor, reporting to the Governance Manager, you’ll play a key role in enabling Council’s decision-making processes. You’ll be responsible for organising and coordinating meetings in line with Council protocols and legislation, delivering high-quality advice and documentation—sometimes under tight timeframes.

This role also involves building strong working relationships with elected and appointed members of Council and its committees and supporting governance administration processes.

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