Rural Travel Fund 2026

If you need to contact us throughout the application process, please quote the application number below:

Whakatāne District Council collects information provided throughout the funding process, for the purpose of effectively administering our community grants and funding programme.

Information is shared with relevant Whakatāne District Council staff, our Community Funding Committee, and third-party organisations who sponsor specific funds. Information may be shared with other members or staff of your organisation (if the application is on behalf of an organisation) where it is deemed necessary for the effective administration of our funding programme.

To maintain transparency, summaries and outcomes of applications are reported in Community Funding Committee meeting agendas and minutes.

Whakatāne District Council is committed to managing information responsibly. Whakatāne District Council’s full Privacy Policy is available on our website.

This fund provides financial support to schools and sports clubs in the Whakatāne District, who can apply for the cost of travel expenses for sport competitions, events and practices. The Fund's purpose is to provide sport opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi (ages 5 -18). 

Guidelines: 

• Rural Travel funding is expected to be used for travel to local (and regular) competitions, practises and events. Rural Travel funding cannot be used for one-off events, regional competitions, or national competitions
• Funding cannot be used for activities and events that take place during school hours
• Only schools or sports clubs are eligible to apply for funding.

The total amount of funding available is approximately $15,000. This form is for applications up to $5000. If you would like to apply for more than $5000, contact the Community Funding Advisor at grants@whakatane.govt.nz

Incomplete applications, and/or applications submitted after the closing date, will not be considered.

Before completing this form, you should have read the Guidelines for the Rural Travel Fund:

Rural Travel Fund Guidelines

Whakatāne District Council requires all applicants to abide by a set of Terms and Conditions if they receive a grant from us: 

Community Grants and Funding - Terms and Conditions for Grant Recipients

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Funding Advisor at grants@whakatane.govt.nz

I/we confirm that:

1. I/we have read and understood the guidelines for the Rural Travel Fund.

2. I/we are not applying for anything Whakatāne District Council cannot fund, including wages, salaries, and retrospective funding.

3. The project/activity I/we are applying for funding for directly benefits the Whakatāne District.

4. I/we will abide by the Terms and Conditions for Grant Recipients if I/we receive a grant.