Ever found yourself muttering, "Someone should really do something about that"?
Well, this might be your cue.
From community bike projects and neighbourhood climate action plans to clever ways of helping people travel differently, Auckland Council is on the hunt for community-powered ideas that can help reduce emissions and make Tāmaki Makaurau more climate-friendly.
Applications open on 12 October for the latest round of the Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund, with $380,000 up for grabs to support projects focused on reducing our climate impact.
And before you start thinking this sounds like something only climate experts do, think again.
If you're part of a community group, school, charity, social enterprise, iwi organisation or not-for-profit and you've got a practical idea that could make a difference, you're already halfway there.
Big ideas often start small
Chair of Auckland Council's Community Committee, Julie Fairey, says some of the best solutions come from the people who live and work in our communities every day.
"Whether it's helping people get around differently, connecting communities to adapt to climate impacts, supporting communities to prepare for emergencies, or finding new ways to cut emissions, Aucklanders know best how to support one another," she says.
"Te Ara Urutau is about giving those ideas a helping hand. Don't assume your project is too small. Some of the biggest changes start with a handful of people deciding to do things differently."
The fund is part of Te Ara Urutau, Auckland Council's flagship community resilience programme, which backs local projects that help communities respond to climate change and prepare for future challenges.
Last year alone, more than 70 projects across Auckland received support, tackling everything from emergency preparedness and climate adaptation planning to innovative emissions-reduction initiatives.
From train station to transformation
Need proof that a simple idea can go a long way?
Meet Ride & Rail Auckland
Supported through previous council climate funding, the project teamed up Counties Manukau Sport and Bike Pukekohe to help South Aucklanders aged 60-plus swap some car trips for a combination of trains and e-bikes.
Over eight weeks, participants learned how to confidently navigate Auckland's rail network and cycleways, discovering that getting around without a car could be easier, healthier and more enjoyable than they expected.
The result? More than 150 people embraced bike-and-train travel for everyday errands, appointments and visits with friends and family. New riding groups formed, confidence grew, and plenty of kilometres that may have been driven ended up being pedalled instead.
Not bad for what started as a local community idea.
Your turn?
Auckland Council Senior Community Resilience Investment Specialist Joy Saunders says the fund is looking for practical and creative projects of all shapes and sizes.
"People know their neighbourhoods best. We want to back practical, creative ideas that make a real difference and inspire others to get involved."
So whether you're dreaming up a repair café, a bike-buddy scheme, a community energy project, a food-sharing initiative or something nobody has thought of yet, now's the time to put your idea forward.
After all, the next great climate solution might already be sitting around a community hall table, waiting for someone to give it a go.
Key dates
- Applications open: 12 October 2026
- Applications close: 16 November 2026
- Funding available: $380,000
- Funding decisions announced: March 2027
A second funding round focused on community-led adaptation and emergency preparedness will open in January 2027, with $1.4 million available.