Funding expo returns to connect local projects with funders
Published on 07 October 2025
Whanganui Funding Expo organising team – from left: Nicole Dryden, Rach Hoskin, Lauren Tamehana, Maggie Regan and Anique Jayasinghe
The biennial Whanganui Funding Expo is back to connect the community with funding opportunities offered by a range of organisations across the region.
Whanganui District Council’s community wellbeing manager, Lauren Tamehana, says everyone is welcome to attend the event which will be held at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre on Wednesday, 15 October.
“This is a chance to come along and hear from funders directly and gather information.
“The funding landscape is ever-changing so the expo is for people new to seeking funding but also for those who have previously had funding and want to know where and how to access funding next.”
The event is being delivered by Whanganui District Council in partnership with Whanganui Community Foundation, the Department of Internal Affairs and Statistics New Zealand.
It aims to strengthen collaboration between fund seekers, funders and support agencies so people are well-informed and can tap into funding opportunities for projects that will benefit the community.
Tamehana, who helped deliver Whanganui’s first funding expo in 2023, says, “After that event people expressed a clear desire for more opportunities to connect with funders so our team decided to collaborate with key partners to run it every two years.”
Alongside funders organising the event, those with a table at the expo include Creative New Zealand, Sport Whanganui and Four Regions Trust.
Wraparound support agencies will also be providing guidance, including WriteFund, Inland Revenue and Fundsorter.
The expo will run from 2.00pm to 7.00pm to ensure those who work different hours are able to attend and learn about the various funds available.
The event will include a panel discussion in the concert chamber where funding experts will demystify funding, share tips on what funders want, and answer specific audience questions – this will be held at 3.00pm and repeated at 5.15pm to give more people the chance to attend.
Whanganui Community Foundation chairperson, Kathy Cunningham, says, “We’ve got a great selection of organisations at the event available to provide advice. Whether you’re looking to fund a new project, need advice on accessing grants, or simply want to learn more about the funding landscape, this expo is the perfect opportunity.”
Event details: