11 March 2011

A fund to commemorate the late Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor Hawea Vercoe has been launched and is open for applications.

He Matapuna Akoranga a Hawea Vercoe – Hawea Vercoe Commemoration Fund will operate through Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s existing Environmental Enhancement Fund, which is also open for applications.

The commemoration fund has $20,000 available to Kura Kaupapa Maori, Kohanga Reo and bilingual schools for environmental projects. Schools can apply for up to $5,000 for any one project.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Group Manager Corporate Services Brian Trott said the fund was established in memory of the late Councillor Hawea Vercoe.

“He Matapuna Akoranga a Hawea Vercoe – Hawea Vercoe Commemoration Fund aims to foster Hawea’s passion for Maori education and the environment and continue his legacy in the region,” he said.

As well as this fund the 2011 funding round for Environmental Enhancement Fund is also open for applications.

“The Environmental Enhancement Fund is a great opportunity for community groups who are keen to improve the environment to gain some financial support and valuable advice,” Mr Trott said.

Over the past 10 years more than 300 projects have been supported through the fund.

“A variety of projects around the region have been supported in the past. Some groups have even received national recognition for achieving their environmental visions,” Mr Trott said.

Groups can apply for up to $30,000 from the Environmental Enhancement Fund to enhance the natural or historic character of an important area. Promoting public access and understanding are also important aspects of the fund. Up to $300,000 is available in the 2011 funding round.

Applications for both funds close on Friday 15 April at 4.30pm. The Environmental Enhancement Fund is open year round to applications for less than $5,000.

Information sessions for both funds will be held around the region in March.

• 21 March – Eastern Bay of Plenty, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 5 Quay Street, Whakatane
• 22 March – Rotorua, 12.30 – 1.30pm
Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua
• 23 March – Western Bay of Plenty, 12.30 – 1.30pm
Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 6 Rata Street, Mount Maunganui

For more information or application packs contact Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 0800 884 880 and ask for Environmental Enhancement Fund Officer Sandy Hohepa or Community Relations Officer Anna Butler.

The application packs are also available at Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices and online at www.boprc.govt.nz

ENDS

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