Groups benefit from regional fund

The big winners in Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) are projects to carry out restoration works on the banks of the Tuapiro River, at the northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour, and two wetland restoration projects at Poukura Springs in the Whirinaki Forest Park and Rūātoki in the eastern Bay.

The Council has agreed to fund $370,000 across 12 major projects, and 27 smaller projects asking for less than $5000.

The largest grant - $27,867 – goes to Ngāti Te Wai Hapū to restore the mauri of the Tuapiro River and carry out restoration works along the river banks. Matekuare Te Kura Toitu Te Whiti-Nui-A-Toi joint venture has received $26,490 towards implementing the first stage of the restoration of the Poukura Springs wetland and lagoon in the Whirinaki Forest Park.

Tūhoe Puaiao Trust also received $20,000 to carry out fencing and planting and restore the wetland on a block of land in the Taiarahaia range at Rūātoki.

A total of 28 groups applied through the annual funding round, seeking $630,000 in total. Annually, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council allocates $300,000 to be provided in community grants through the EEF – any unallocated funds from the previous financial year. Other projects include weed control and dune planting at Waihi Beach, weed control and re-vegetation of the rail corridor from Rotorua to Mamaku and controlling privet and blackberry on an area of land at Tuapou Pā.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Acting Chief Executive Mary-Anne Macleod said the quality of applications was impressive, with groups being specific about their projects’ aims and objectives and how the environment and community would benefit from the funding.

“We saw some great applications for community projects that use the enthusiasm and skills of the local community as well as raising environmental awareness and improving the environment,” Ms Macleod said.

This year the Environmental Enhancement Fund targeted three key areas particularly important for the region and the Regional Council’s Ten Year Plan: water quality (streams, lakes and lake margins), threatened species and their habitats and harbours and estuaries.

“Projects involving these three key elements received extra points during the assessment process. We also looked to support first-time applicants and those who had been unsuccessful in previous years,” she said.

In addition to receiving funding, recipients also get expert advice from regional council staff, and ongoing encouragement and support from being involved in the EEF network.

During the past 10 years more than 400 projects have received more than $7 million for a range of environmental initiatives, including wetland restoration, education workshops and pest weed and animal control.

This year the fund opened early to fit in better with winter and spring planting seasons. A full list of successful projects is attached.

ENDS

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