Reactivating Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland package

This support package helped to revive economic, social and cultural activities in New Zealand’s largest city over the summer of 2021/2022 and provided relief to those in hardship.

The Auckland region was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 Alert Level restriction. Extended periods at higher Alert Level restrictions had a direct negative impact on the local economy and the community’s wellbeing. When Auckland moved into the COVID-19 Protection Framework, there was a need to encourage Aucklanders to re-engage with the region to boost social well-being, with the additional benefit of stimulating economic activity over the summer of 2021/2022.

About the package

Reactivating Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland provided $37.5 million of funding to the following key components:

  1. A $10 million Local Activation Programme for programmes that were free to the public in town centres, venues and locations across Auckland, such as events organised by business associations, community groups, and cultural organisations.
  2. A $9 million ‘Explore Tāmaki Makaurau this Summer Voucher’ scheme that encouraged Auckland residents to visit local attractions and facilities.
  3. A $3 million ‘Explore Tāmaki Makaurau this Summer Discount’ scheme that allowed for discounted or free entry for Auckland residents to council-owned assets and other cultural and recreational venues.
  4. $2.5 million for a promotional and marketing campaign by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited for the voucher and discount programmes and the Local Activation Programme. The programme encouraged visitors from both the region and further afield.
  5. $12 million to fund foodbanks and community food organisations. 
  6. $1 million for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to deliver all aspects of the package, except the funding for foodbanks which was delivered through the Ministry of Social Development.

Implementation of the package

The package was developed in collaboration with the Auckland City Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. All components, except the funding for foodbanks and community food organisations, were delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

All components of the package concluded on 4 July 2022 and successfully supported the wellbeing of Aucklanders while stimulating economic activity.

The outcomes of the package are summarised in Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s final post programme report which can be found on the Tātaki Auckland Unlimited website. 

Reactivating Tāmaki Makaurau Post Programme Report(external link) — Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

The $12 million of funding to foodbanks and community food organisations was allocated through the Ministry of Social Development Food Secure Communities Programme.

Further information about the Food Secure Communities Programme is available on the Ministry of Social Development website. 

Food Secure Communities Programme(external link) — Ministry of Social Development

Last updated: 22 December 2022