Funding boost for Auckland city’s environmental projects

December 18 2006

Projects protecting Auckland city’s environment have been given a major boost with $95,034 of grants from the Auckland Regional Council.

The grants are part of the ARC’s Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF), which this year has allocated $622,919 to 269 applicants around the Auckland region, to carry out practical projects that benefit the environment.

The ARC established the Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF), in February 2000, to support practical projects that, enhance, restore and protect aspects of Auckland’s natural, cultural and physical environment.

Since the first founding round the ARC has given 750 grants worth $1.6 million to community projects that enhance the Auckland region’s environment.

ARC EIF Coordinator Courtney Miller says this year 52 applicants from Auckland City received funding and the average grant was $1,828.

Some of the projects awarded funding in Auckland city include organic and Maori healing gardens, heritage walks, protecting native flora and fauna, environmental awareness and education programmes, identification of water courses, restoring coastal sand dunes, ecological restoration and monitoring wildlife, says Ms Miller.

ARC Environmental Management Committee Chair Dianne Glenn says this year ARC received a record 318 applications from across the Auckland region and the calibre was impressive.

“It’s encouraging to know there are so many people in Auckland city who are keen to protect and enhance the environment.”

EIF is one way in which the ARC can assist community groups and individuals to achieve their environmental goals, says Cr Glenn.

“The ARC is very thankful to all of those who are involved in projects that are enhancing Auckland city’s environment. All successful applicants will receive advice and support from ARC staff to make sure the projects succeed,” she says.

The EIF is sponsored by Honda, which contributed more than $130,000 this year, and Transpower, which donated more than $50,000.

ENDS

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