News Media Release
June 18 2007

Funding our environmental future

An Auckland Regional Council fund which has given a combined $1.6million to environmental projects, since its inception seven years ago, is open for applications.

Auckland Regional Council's Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) provides financial support and practical advice to voluntary projects that enhance, restore and protect Auckland's natural resources and cultural heritage.

More than 750 community projects across the region have benefited from the fund. Last year 269 projects shared $622,919 worth of funding. ARC Environmental Initiatives Fund Coordinator Courtney Miller says the fund is open to local groups, iwi, schools and individuals involved in not-for-profit practical projects that enhance, restore and protect Auckland's natural, cultural and physical environment. The closing date for the 2007 funding round is Friday 27 July.

Successful applicants last year included the Onetangi Beach Care Group which received funding to help with the restoration of sand dunes at Onetangi Beach and a grant to Rangitoto College for a 3ha native tree sanctuary.

Other applicants included the Pukekohe East Church Preservation Society which received funds for a conservation plan for the preservation of a collection of buildings, and a grant to the Waiheke Dotterel Guardians Charitable Trust to help with the protection of New Zealand's largest population of dotterels.

ARC Environmental Management Committee Chair Dianne Glenn says the fund is unique because as well as providing financial support, technical advice is also available. "We like to stay involved with the people we fund and support because the work they are doing is essential for Auckland's future and makes it a better place for everyone to live," says Cr Glenn.

EIF is sponsored by Honda New Zealand - last year alone the company gave more than $130,000 to the fund.

Cr Glenn says the 'environmental partnership' between the ARC and Honda New Zealand is extremely important.

"The partnership helps environmental community groups and individuals to enhance and restore our native ecology. Native planting provides natural corridors for birds and insects, prevents erosion, and improves air and water quality," says Cr Glenn.

ENDS

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