TECT is seeking feedback from the community after announcing it's making a special distribution of $21 million.

The Tauranga-based organisation is asking for people's input on three potential distribution options targeted at making a long-lasting difference in the community.

The options include providing multi-year funding in four targeted areas that keep our community safe, healthy and thriving.

These transformational grant initiatives are:

• Emergency services
• First 1000 days of life
• Safe and healthy homes
• Environmental sustainability

TECT General Manager Wayne Werder says the transformational grant initiatives were developed after feedback from community groups showed there was significant need in these areas.

'We may all at some point in our lifetime need help from the emergency services; we all have families with children; we all need homes over our heads; and we all love to get outside and enjoy the beautiful environment the Western Bay provides us.

'These initiatives make a huge difference in our lives. But the groups that support these areas rely significantly on community funding to keep running.”

Vanessa Richmond, Group Manager for Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at Philips Search and Rescue Trust, says the rescue helicopter relies significantly on community support, being funded only partly by government.

'The rescue helicopter makes hundreds of trips a year in the Western Bay; it's the difference between life and death for so many in our community.

'With service need continually increasing, the transformational grant initiatives could make a huge difference in our lifesaving efforts.”

Michelle Elborn, Chief Executive at Bay Conservation Alliance, says the transformational grants would have a significant impact on conserving the Western Bay's natural environment.

'These transformational grant initiatives would be such an amazing step towards delivering greater environmental and community outcomes. With our region's growth and expanding development, we need to ensure we can mitigate some of the effects of this on our environment – so our community can enjoy all the region has to offer now and for generations to come.”

TECT consumers can learn more about the transformational grant initiatives and the impact they will have in the community at www.tect.org.nz/transformational-grants.

TECT consumers who wish to provide feedback on the special distribution are invited to by 4pm, Monday May 20 via the TECT website at www.tect.org.nz/feedback.