ARC announces latest Environmental Initiatives Fund recipients

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) today strengthened its commitment to community-based environmental care when it announced its latest list of funding recipients under the Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF).

The new recipients were well spread throughout the region, from the Long Bay College Environmental Committee to Otahuhu Intermediate School to La Trobe Track Forest Restoration project in Karekare, Weedfree Waitakere Trust and Earthtalk from Awhitu.

Councillor Patricia Thorp, Chairperson of ARC’s Environmental Management Committee, congratulated all the recipients and added “I am issuing a challenge to Auckland’s people - get cracking and get involved. The ARC will continue to do it’s best to facilitate increased environmental awareness and care - but we need the support of every resident of the region. It’s up to you to do your best”.

The EIF is a limited, contestable fund accessible to any voluntary, non-profit group or individual in the Auckland region working on environmental projects. The fund is administered twice a year in February and August.

The ARC also helps with facilitation and expertise to these environment groups and individuals. Although only in its second year, the EIF has seen some real successes since its inception at the beginning of 2000.

-END-

February 2001 EIF Recipients

1. Long Bay College Environmental Committee Tree Planting Programme (Ray Galvin)
This is a project aimed at beautification of school grounds including the raising and planting of trees, keeping the area litter-free, painting of murals, promotion of recycling and general ecological awareness.

2. Otahuhu Intermediate School Estuary Clean-up & Planting (R Kitto)
This is a project to clean up their estuary boundary through weed & rubbish removal, pine & willow removal and planting of native species in cleared spaces. A walk-way is also part of future plans.

3. Pakiri Pohutukawa, Burial Ground and Kahikatea Protection (Laly Haddon)
This involves three projects including 1.continued reforestation of beach with Pohutukawa on iwi land; 2. the identification and recording of burial grounds and working with land owners for its protection; and 3.the protection of the last Kahikatea swamp in Pakiri by fencing.

4. La Trobe Track Forest Restoration Organisation (Peter King)
This project aims to reduce the number of mammal pests (with traps & environmentally safe methods) in the area bordering La Trobe Track & Lone Kauri Rd. The project has a long-term objective of facilitating the forest ecosystem’s natural development.

5. P&H Speck, Benthorn Farm Pest Management Project (Alfred Litten)
This project focuses on eradication or minimisation of all pest species on Benthorn Farm, with the goal of creating a mainland island sanctuary for native species, while operating a ‘Bio-dynamic Farm’ to maintain biodiverstiy of the area.

6. Ngai Tai Umupuia Te Waka Totara Trust (Merle McKenzie)
This trust will be working to build an inventory and archive of the Iwi’s whakapapa, waahi tapu, tribal register and other vital information. The resulting record will be available to the public and for use by educators of Ngai Tai ki Umupuia.

7. Taumata B Pakiri Beach Protection (Christine Baines)
This project aims to secure & protect dune area of Pakiri Beach through fencing, walkways and planting. There are future plans for signposting and public communication.

8. Onekokoru Trust Court Property Protection Project (Robin Court)
This project aims to carry out bush protection and enhancement of the environmental, scientific and archaeological values of 40ha of coastal land at the Southern end of Great Barrier Island.

9. Pollok Farms Ltd (David Craig)
This project aims to reduce erosion of vital areas of Waitara Stream and the coastal entrance by fencing and flax planting. Current threats are from grazing stock and the stream.

10. Earthtalk Awhitu Farm Park (Tanya Cumberland, Charmaine Puontney)
Earthtalk is working towards creating a farm-park, transforming a 28 acre dry stock grazing block of land. The project aims at a diverse, sustainable, organic small farmpark that produces employment while conserving fragile land and waterways.

11. Weedfree Waitakere Trust Pilot Study (Elizabeth Fracke)
This project involves a two-year pilot study (along Scenic Drive, Titirangi Village to Arataki) on weed clearance and to restoration of native ecosystems with locally sourced plants. Plans are to monitor and maintain treated areas and to come up with a scientific method that landowners, TLAs can apply.

12. Electronic Pest and Tunnel Development & Education (Warren Agnew)
This project involves the development, implementation and promotion of an electronically controlled pest trap & tracking tunnel. Plans are for public education programmes, and monitoring & analysis with the assistance of the Department of Conservation.

13. Puukaki Maori Marae Committee Puukaki ki Te Aakitai Social Services (Pare Rauwhero)
This group has the overall aim to promote, and advance the cultural, environmental, economic and spiritual & social wellbeing of whanau, hapu and iwi of Te Aakitai. There are two projects, 1. Puna Restoration (water supply & education); and 2. Bank Stabilisation for reduced erosion.

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