Funding our environmental future

May 1 2008

Auckland Regional Council is seeking applications for an environmental fund which has given a combined $2.1 million to environmental projects, since its inception eight years ago.

ARC's Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) provides funding for environmental and heritage projects in the Auckland region.

Since 2000, 960 community projects have benefited from the fund which is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Last year 212 projects shared $500,310 worth of funding.

ARC Environmental Initiatives Fund Co-ordinator Courtney Gallen says individuals, community groups, schools, preschools, businesses, iwi, hapu, whanau and Maori organisations that are planning on starting or have non profit projects that fit within the EIF guidelines are eligible for funding.

Those who received funding last year included Glendowie Primary School which received funding for a Trees for Survival glasshouse to propagate native plants and a grant to Pollok Farms Ltd to fence off a forest remnant which is a protected natural area.

Other applicants included MOKO Resource Management Unit which received funds for the restoration and protection of an urupa, and a grant to the Pahurehure Inlet Protection Society for coastal planting of PDC Esplanade Reserve at Pahurehure Inlet.

The ARC is holding a series of workshops in May for anyone interested in applying for environmental funding. Visit www.arc.govt.nz for further information.

The closing date for the 2008 funding round is 5pm Wednesday 9 July.

ARC Environmental Management Committee Chair Dianne Glenn says the fund is unique because as well as providing financial support, technical advice is available.

"We like to stay involved with the people we fund and support because their projects are essential for Auckland's future," says Cr Glenn.

EIF is sponsored by Honda New Zealand - last year the company gave more than $130,000 to the fund.

Cr Glenn says the 'environmental partnership' between the ARC and Honda New Zealand is extremely important.

"The partnership helps environmental community groups and individuals to enhance and restore our native ecology. Native planting provides natural corridors for birds and insects, prevents erosion, and improves air and water quality," says Cr Glenn.

ENDS

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