Environmental fund opens for applications

One of New Zealand’s largest environmental funds opens for applications on Monday 26 June.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s Environmental Enhancement Fund has $500,000 to support worthy projects this year.

Over the past six years, the fund has allocated nearly $5 million to several hundred projects. They range from wetland restoration to education workshops and heritage work.

Community engagement coordinator Jillian Houghton invites community groups, iwi, businesses and local authorities to apply. “We are looking for projects that enhance the environment while involving people in the community,” she explains.

The regional council is targeting two key areas that are particularly important for the region. They are wetland and waterway enhancement or restoration and cultural heritage preservation. Ms Houghton says projects involving these elements will receive bonus points during the assessment process.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s website contains in-depth information on the fund, including application forms. Interested people are also invited to attend information sessions throughout the Bay of Plenty in July. “We’re running these gatherings again this year so people can find out more about the criteria for funding and the types of projects that are eligible for it. We’ll go through the application form with them as well.”

Applications close on August 11. For more information, give Environment Bay of Plenty a call on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or go to www.envbop.govt.nz.

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