Environmentally-minded groups awarded $800,000 by the ARC

Projects to protect Auckland’s environment, heritage and coastline have been given a major boost with $800,000 worth of grants from the Auckland Regional Council (ARC).

The ARC’s Environmental Initiative Fund (EIF) provides funding, practical support and advice to community members to help them protect and enhance their local environment and heritage. This year the ARC has awarded $400,480 to 112 EIF projects. Grants range from $180 to $15,000.

The ARC’s Coastal Enhancement Fund (CEF) supports community and non-profit organisations for projects focusing on marine safety, environmental enhancement and promoting appropriate use and development of Auckland’s coastal marine area. This year $394,500 has been awarded to 26 projects with grants ranging from $360 to $64,000.

Combined these funds have contributed over $6 million to community projects since 2004.

Dianne Glenn, Chair of the ARC’s Environmental Management Committee says, “Community involvement and stewardship in the Auckland region is enjoying a renaissance. With these awards the ARC is maintaining its tradition of helping people to help themselves. I am bowled over by the motivation and quality of work of Auckland’s community groups, schools and societies.”

Examples of EIF projects awarded grants this year include animal and plant pest control on Motatapu Island, restoration of marae grounds at Reweti Marae in Rodney, promotion of community environmental and heritage awareness at YMCA Waiwera and support for the Epping Neighbourhood Community Garden education workshops in Waitakere.

Awards to contribute to the restoration of cultural heritage buildings were provided to the Victoria Theatre in Devonport and several churches in the region including the Pukekohe East Church.

In addition grants were awarded for native plant propagation, riparian planting and fencing on farms, and sustainable gardening at over 30 schools and community gardens across the region.

Examples of successful CEF applications this year include boat ramp and wharf refurbishment projects at Waiau Pa, Kawakawa Bay, Waiheke Island and Kaikoura Island.

Grants were allocated to BeachEd, boating education and marine safety programmes run by a number of organisations, as well as projects funding the purchase of safety vessels and equipment.

“This will be the last round of EIF and CEF grants from the ARC, but so valuable are the efforts of award recipients and the legacy of their work, that I urge the Auckland Council to retain these awards,” said Cr. Dianne Glenn.

ENDS

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