Eastern & Central Community Trust

03/06/2026

For our Tairawhiti community groups... please check out these two funds!

03/06/2026

ECCT would like to offer huge congratulations to Rodney Wong, one of our valued trustees, who was recognized in this years King's Birthday Honours List for services to their country.

Rodney was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the country's multicultural communities.

01/06/2026

Applications opening soon – Hawke’s Bay Nature Fund 2026

We’re excited to share that applications for the Hawke’s Bay Nature Fund open on 8 June 2026.

This is a targeted fund for specific areas of Hawke’s Bay, supporting projects that protect and enhance ecosystems and reduce the negative effects of pests on new plantings, native wildlife and existing tree cover.

📅 Opens: 8 June 2026
📅 Closes: 5pm, 20 July 2026
👉 https://www.ecct.org.nz/funding/hawkes-bay-nature-fund

Updated information will be available on the ECCT website before the fund goes live.

01/06/2026

A wonderful day of swimming - ECCT was super proud to support this Autism Swim event in Hawkes Bay. A great day was had at the Flaxmere pool ❤️❤️

28/05/2026

ECCT is excited to see this project finally come to fruition, to help support the rural community of Takapau. ECCT contributed $400,000 to help purchase the medical building, in partnership with the Trust and other key funders. This is a wonderful example of collaboration.

Takapau Community Health Centre is on the cusp of securing a modern modular clinic.

25/05/2026

What a wonderful initiative!

24/05/2026

Last week, Advisors from ECCT, DIA and a Trustee from the Joan Fernie Trust joined Te Rongo o Whatumā for their Volunteer Launch & Induction Day.

It was inspiring to see the work already underway to restore Lake Whatumā, with plans for more planting, pest control, and future projects like an education centre and boardwalk.

There’s a strong passion behind this kaupapa, and it is guided by the wonderful Dr Roger Maaka and Arapera Paewai. ECCT is grateful to be part of this milestone and to support raising awareness of this special taonga and its history within our CHB community.

18/05/2026

For all our Palmerston North based community organisations. The small grants fund (up to $5K) is now open.

The PNCC Community Development Small Grants Fund 2026 is now open!

This fund can provide for-purpose organisations up to $5000 for your operational costs, such as:

✅Audit fees and/or financial review costs
✅Communication costs
✅Energy costs
✅Insurance - public liability and assets
✅Rent and venue hire
✅Stationary - printing, postage, photocopying
✅Volunteer expenses - including training, supervision, travel

You can read more about the SGF and the eligibility criteria here: https://tepuharakeke.org.nz/what-we-do/funding

🎥If you’re confused, don’t worry! We’ve made a handy video explaining how to apply! https://tinyurl.com/47ppuyzw

The funding round is open until the end of May. Apply online at https://pncc.smartygrants.com.au/SGF26

13/05/2026

Our Tairawhiti Advisor had a great trip up the East Coast this week, meeting with community groups in Wharekahika / Hicks Bay and Tikitiki alongside other funders and the Rural Road Show team. Awesome mahi! ❤