Media Release
6 November 2012

River clean-up funding top $10 million

The Waikato River Authority’s second funding round has closed with more than $10 million dollars in eligible applications for clean-up projects.

Applications closed on Friday 2 November.

There were a total of 60 applications seeking $10.4 million.

The River Authority has $6 million of funds available in this funding round for allocation.

Authority co-chairs, Tukoroirangi Morgan and the Hon John Luxton say they are pleased with the continuing level of interest from groups putting forward projects for consideration.

“We have not seen the same level of over subscription to our funds this year that we did in the first year when we had $56 million of applications. It is likely our refreshed Funding Strategy is giving more direction to applicants which makes for a much more efficient process,” says John Luxton.

“The reality is we have still got requests for funding that total nearly twice the amount that is available. The Authority is required to ensure funding is awarded on a contestable basis, so over-subscription is appropriate. Our challenge therefore is to fund the best projects that support the restoration of the river and its catchment,” says Mr Morgan.

The Authority’s funding process will see funding applicants notified before Christmas on whether or not they have been successful.

The Waikato River Authority is a co-governance body established between the Crown and Waikato River iwi to restore the Waikato River. The government has committed $220 million over a 30-year period to restoring the health and well being of the river.

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