Northern Hawke's Bay nature is in for a boost ,with the Hawke’s Bay Nature Fund allocating $530,000 to six projects protecting and restoring nature in the area.

A generous bequest from a local farmer enabled the Department of Conservation to establish the fund, which is managed by Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT).

The long-term goal of the Fund is to see bush cover and native birds returned to Hawke’s Bay River catchments, restoring nature and improving biodiversity.

The Fund received 16 applications from a range of landowners and community conservation groups looking to support naturing, requesting a combined total of more than $1.5 million.

David Clapperton, CEO of ECCT, said this inaugural funding round attracted an exceptional standard of applications.

"It was inspiring to see such a high calibre of proposals in the very first year, with every project offering significant conservation value,” says David. “While it wasn’t an easy decision for the committee, we’re excited to see what the funded initiatives will bring to Hawke’s Bay."

“We encourage any applicants who were unsuccessful this round to reapply when the Fund opens again.”

Each application was assessed by a committee of local representatives against criteria focused on biodiversity enhancement through predator control and revegetation planting. Feasibility and long-term sustainability were also key considerations.

Adele Small, CEO of the Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust, says local iwi are also pleased.

“These projects will support our taonga species across the rohe, through predator control, planting, and more,” says Adele. “This will really help the region work towards the Predator Free 2050 goals and give back to the community through conservation.”

“We look forward to seeing how they progress.”

The successful projects are:

• Arohiwi Station – Arohiwi Bush Restoration Project, including fencing, wetland planting, and predator control network installation.

• Guardians of Tutira and Districts Inc – Restoration and protection of biodiversity at Guthrie Smith Wetlands.

• Maungaharuru-Tangitū Charitable Trust – Predator control around Opouahi Scenic Reserve and regionally significant wetlands.

• Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Trust – Installation of deer fencing to restore the Rough Block to native bush by excluding pests.

• Department of Conservation – Predator control and fencing to protect the nationally endangered Powelliphanta maungaharuru, a rare land snail endemic to the Maungaharuru Range.

• Toronui Station Partnership – Trapping and baiting programme to protect an important bush remnant.

For more information, visit the ECCT website.

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