The Waikato River Authority has received 43 applications seeking a total of $11.97 million in its fifteenth funding round. There is strong representation from projects across the catchment.

Applications closed on 7 August, with up to $6 million available for initiatives that help restore and protect the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

Waikato River Authority Chief Executive Antoine Coffin says it is encouraging to see a wide range of applications.

“We are continuing to see growth in iwi-led and iwi-affiliated projects, which highlights the important role of river iwi in restoring the health and wellbeing of our awa.”

Since its first funding round in 2011, the Waikato River Authority has allocated approximately $80 million to 496 projects, 357 of which have been completed. Mr Coffin says 2025 is a milestone year.

“In addition to the funding rounds, we are reviewing Te Ture Whaimana, exploring ways to achieve our restoration priorities, and sharing our story from its beginnings with the Waikato-Tainui River Settlement to the present day.”

All applications will now undergo an independent evaluation process, with recommendations made to the Authority’s board. Successful projects are expected to be announced by the end of November.

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