The Central North Island (CNI) Project is going to increase the capacity of the two 220 kV lines between Bunnythorpe and Whakamaru. This is so we can cater to more generation and meet the future needs of New Zealand households and businesses.
The CommunityCare Fund supports projects in communities most affected by our above ground assets. When a major maintenance project is undertaken, such as for the CNI Project, additional funds are made available to community groups in the area, acknowledging the impact the works may have on locals.
The application process is the same as the CommunityCare Fund with twice yearly funding rounds. Each round involves the submission of an Expression of Interest and then those who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to submit a full application.
The next funding round opens to expressions of interest on 1 October, closing on 31 October 2025 – the entire funding process is out lined on the dedicated CCF page. Prospective applicants are advised to read through all the information carefully to ensure that their submission meets criteria and has the best chance of success.
There are two exceptions of note for the CNI special fund, allowing for a relaxation of two key criteria. Applications are welcome from groups operating in communities within 5km of the project instead of 2km and they may apply for up to $50,000, up from $15,000. All other criteria apply.
Eligibility criteria
The following organisations are eligible to apply, must have bank accounts in their names and have the ability to issue invoices:
- organisations or community groups that are independent, local and non-profit
- non-government organisations
- charities
- kōhanga reo, schools, and educational institutions
- iwi and hapū
- local and regional councils, although an application received from the community is strongly encouraged.
The CommunityCare Fund will consider funding for:
- lasting projects that have wider-reaching benefits to the community
- projects with a high level of community involvement and participation
- committed projects with funds already raised from other sources and the CommunityCare Fund grant will complete the funds required
The CommunityCare Fund will not consider funding for:
- events
- projects that require funds above what is requested from the CommunityCare Fund, where there is no clear path to obtain remaining funds
- programmes or operational costs (e.g. salaries, administration costs, training, volunteer support, equipment hire, rent, bills, paying a project manager, promotional giveaways)
- individuals, political organisations, or other foundations who make grants
- projects generally funded by the government
- projects that have already been completed
- projects that may compromise Transpower's policies for managing the National Grid (e.g. a proposal to build too close or under our transmission lines)
- organisations who have received a CommunityCare Fund grant in the last two years.