New initiative working smarter not harder 

Project Manager, Leanne Harrison says, “We’ve used the 2021 grant to cover IT costs. The funding we received from Sunrise has been pivotal in getting us set up and able to hit the ground running.”   

 Taupua Tairāwhiti’s aim is to provide a fit-for-purpose entity that offers a range of services for the sporting community and not-for-profit sector.  

 The grant they received from Sunrise enabled the collaborative hub to set up and sort accounts and admin and create branding and communication support. 

 “This saves the groups we work with money and time. It means they can focus on delivering what they do best, top quality and consistent services for a healthy, active, and connected Tairāwhiti.” 

 The idea for the Shared Services initiative arose after many years of discussions by the Tairāwhiti Sports Collective about the challenges community groups faced. Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti and its Board decided to take action and commissioned a feasibility study which outlined there was a demand for services here in Tairāwhiti and proposed a locally grown entity that starts small and develops services incrementally - a demand-driven low-risk model. 

 On 1 August 2021 Taupua Tairāwhiti (support to Tairāwhiti) kicked off with 8-9 pilot community organisations and is about to sign its first contract with an iwi-based group. There is now a small and dedicated team who are based at Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti on Grey Street. 

 Taupua Tairāwhiti are looking at taking a few more sporting or not-for-profit groups on board this year. To register interest with them click on the link. Taupua Tairawhiti