27 May 2016

Government Support for Landcare

Yesterday's Budget marks a return to stable base-line funding for the work of NZ Landcare Trust.

The Minister for the Environment is responsible for financial appropriations for the 2016/17 financial year which include approximately $27 million for grants to third parties for water initiatives, environmental management and education programmes.

A specific appropriation identified within 'Vote Environment' has been established for the promotion of sustainable land management practice through a national network of coordinators. These funds are available due to the reprioritisation of $800,000 from the Community Environment Fund. This transfer reflects joint Ministers' decision to fund the NZ Landcare Trust activities for 2016/17 and out years. No expiry date for this resourcing commitment has been set and it is identified as an on-going commitment.

NZ Landcare Trust CEO Dr Nick Edgar described the budget announcement as a welcome outcome of negotiations with government to continue national support for landcare. "This is fabulous news for the Trust and will provide the necessary certainty of funding needed for our network of regional coordinators. Our staff will be able to continue to support farmers, landowners and the wider community to adopt sustainable land and water practices in catchments across New Zealand".

“Given the current public debate regarding the impact of land use intensification on our country's precious water resources, it is significant that the New Zealand government is prepared to fund landcare as a way of tackling these challenging issues. Landcare is operating in over 20 countries around the world and has a proven track record in encouraging land managers to adopt more environmentally sustainable farming practices," Dr Edgar concluded.

The Trust's community-led approach to sustainable land and water management in New Zealand has proven highly effective, with various projects earning national and international recognition over recent years. This Budget decision can be viewed as an endorsement of the valuable work delivered around the country.

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