Gisborne District Council is inviting applications for the 2026 round of the Natural Heritage Fund, which supports projects that protect and enhance native biodiversity on private land and whenua Māori.

Council Senior Regional Biodiversity Advisor Melanie Cheetham said the fund is available to landowners and community groups undertaking environmental work that improves the wellbeing of te taiao (the natural environment).

“It recognises the vital role landowners play as kaitiaki (guardians) of the region’s natural heritage.”

“Protecting biodiversity is a key responsibility for councils,” said Ms Cheetham. “This fund helps support local efforts to restore and protect native ecosystems.”

In 2024, the Natural Heritage Fund contributed to 20 projects, and over the last 11 years has allocated over $700,000 toward native planting, pest and weed control and stock exclusion fencing.

Projects funded in 2024 included:

• Possum trap network in kiwi habitat at Motu
• Wetland restoration at Ngatapa
• Stock exclusion fencing at Te Karaka
• Indigenous planting at Okitu

Landowners can apply for up to $20,000 per project, with at least 50 percent of the total cost to be covered by other sources. Applications are assessed based on biodiversity merit and available funding.

Applications close 20 August 2025 for projects starting in 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit:
www.gdc.govt.nz/council/funding-streams/natural-heritage-fund

© Scoop Media