Horizons’ community grants funding spread across Region

Eleven community groups from across the Region are to receive funding for their projects under Horizons Regional Council’s community grants programme.

Set up at the beginning of 2012, the programme was established to support community groups, schools, early childhood centres and iwi/hapu groups, with projects that enhance the Region and encourage more people to engage with the natural environment.

This year, $20,000 was up for grabs, with the council receiving 26 applications in total.

Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney says applications were assessed on environmental benefits, feasibility, community involvement and long-term benefits.

“This year there were a noticeable number of requests for native planting initiatives, as well as applications for plant and pest control, and environmental education,” says Mr McCartney.

“Horizons community grants provide a great platform for the public to learn more about the environment and encourage greater use of the Region’s facilities and amenities. It’s also a fantastic way to help these groups get their project off the ground, or enhance what they already have through use of natural resources.”

The eleven successful applicants were awarded either part or full funding, and included charitable trusts, a school, an educational facility, and local community groups:

• Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust – native planting
• Waimarino A&P Association – native planting and spraying
• Dream Makers Trust – pest environmental education
• Marton Golf Club Inc – native planning
• Natural Heritage Mangaweka – animal pest control
• Bulls River Users Group – plant pest control
• Rangitikei College – native planting
• Rangiwahia Environmental Arts Centre Trust Inc – native planting
• Wildbase Recovery Community Trust – native planning
• Ahu Whenu Trust – native planting and fencing
• Te Ripo Kokohuia – native planting

Applications for the next round of funding will open in 2017.

For further information on community grants please visit www.horizons.govt.nz or phone Horizons on 0508 800 800.

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