Call for Applications: Horowhenua Rural Halls Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2024

The Horowhenua District Council is now accepting applications for its Rural Halls Fund to support ten Horowhenua (County) Rural Hall Societies with maintenance for the halls they manage.

Priority 

• Council has determined that the following priorities will be applied in the assessment of applications lodged:
  • Any project that is directly related to protecting the overall integrity of the hall structure – this covers replacement of roofing/repainting of roof, replacement of cladding/repainting of exterior, provision/repair to water and waste water services and upgrading of/improvements to power supply.
  • Projects involving the interior upgrading of the hall, including repainting/repairs of interior linings, ceiling and floor structures, repairs to/replacement of windows to a more maintenance free and secure arrangement, together with the upgrading of toilet facilities to lower maintenance, water conserving units and provision of new, more modern ovens.
  • Projects that generally improve the visual appearance of the hall interior, i.e. floor coverings (carpet, vinyl, etc.), kitchen cupboards, improved lighting with energy conservation capabilities, and seating.
• It is the expectation of the Community Funding and Recognition Committee that applicants will be required to meet a greater proportion of the costs associated with projects falling into categories 2 and 3 unless they pose a health and safety risk to users. If this is proven, a higher priority will be considered.
  • The nature of the work in the context of minimum mandatory standards imposed under the Building Act, Health & Safety Regulations, District Plan requirements and Fire Regulations.
  • Acknowledgement of the role that the particular rural hall plays within its respective community and the degree of community support it receives.
  • Further to the priorities above, applications to cover the cost of hall replacement insurance are also eligible under the Rural Halls Grant (where the society does not already receive insurance support from Council).
  • Applications for insurance expenses are considered a low priority, except in extreme circumstances where a strong case is made by the applicant.  Where ongoing insurance support is sought by a society, a discounted policy through Council’s insurance supplier can be sought by way of the Grant Scheme Administrator.
    Applications to cover the cost of rates may also, from time to time, be considered under unusual circumstances where:
    • A rates remission has been declined by Council
    • The amount of an approved rates remission is not sufficient

Who can apply?

• Tier One Applicants:
  • Ihakara Hall
  • Ōhau Hall
  • Opiki Hall
  • Manakau Hall
  • Tokomaru Hall
  • Poroutawhao Hall
  • Koputaroa Hall
  • Moutoa Hall
  • Mangahao Hall (Mangaore)
• Tier Two Applicants:
  • Other non-profit groups that maintain community halls/hubs/marae/facilities for public use in the Horowhenua where there is no Rural Hall within a reasonable distance may also be eligible for a Rural Halls Fund (e.g. Waitārere Beach and Foxton Beach).

For more information, visit Horowhenua District Council.