19 January 2012

Environment the winner from council fund

More than 70 community projects aimed at protecting and improving Auckland’s environment and heritage have received grants in the latest round of annual funding from Auckland Council’s Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF).

The 72 not-for-profit projects, including native planting, pest control and wetland restoration work; conservation of historic buildings and various school initiatives; have received a total of $260,000, with grants ranging from $300 to $15,000. [The full list of successful applicants is here.]

The EIF was established in 1999 to provide funding, practical support and advice to individuals and groups enhancing and conserving their local environment and heritage and since then more than 1,500 grants totaling $4 million have been awarded.

Councillor Sandra Coney, Chair of the council’s EIF subcommittee, says it is pleasing to be able to support a wide variety of valuable community-initiated projects that will make a positive difference around the Auckland region.

“Preserving, protecting and enhancing Auckland’s natural surroundings and valuable cultural heritage for current and future generations to enjoy is an important focus for the council.

“We are proud to support this year’s successful applicants with their efforts to assist in achieving this goal, with projects ranging from small initiatives like establishing a native garden at a school through to significant restoration projects on public land.”

The EIF is supported by Honda New Zealand, which donates funding equivalent to the cost of 13 native trees for each new car sold by the company. For more information on the Honda TreeFund visit www.honda.co.nz/treefund.

ENDS

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