27 September 2012

Round two of community river fund opens

Community groups and non-profit organisations are being encouraged to get involved with Manawatu River clean-up efforts as the second round of community funding opens.

An initiative coordinated by the Manawatu River Leaders’ Forum, the funding is part of the $5.2 million awarded to the Forum following a successful bid to Central Government’s Fresh Start for Freshwater Clean-Up Fund and is designed to help engage the community in improving the river.

This year sees $70 000 up for grabs. Last year attracted applications totaling over $596,247. Successful applicants to the fund were:

• Tanenuiarangi Manawatu Inc – River access enhancement project
• Reel Earth Film Festival – Te Awa education and awareness campaign
• NZ Landcare Trust – Mangaone catchment care project
• Taiao Ruakawa Environmental Resource Unit – Tokomaru hikoi
• Save Our River Trust – Planting of giant flax in the Foxton Loop
• Nga Kaitiaki o Ngati Kauwhata Inc – Pataka Kai-A Tuna project
• Nga Kaitiaki o Ngati Kauwhata Inc – Haynes Creek riparian planting project
• Forest and Bird Manawatu – Eco source and propagate native plants
• Te Kauru – Parahaki Island clean-up
• Tararua College – Mangatainoka propagation and planting project

Horizons Regional Council chief executive Michael McCartney describes the funding as “a chance for community groups to engage positively and constructively in addressing water quality issues in the catchment”.

“We know there are some fantastic ideas and skills out there in our community and we’re eager to work together and support these projects on the ground for the benefit of our river, our community and our region,” he says.

The grants are also an opportunity for groups to tap into support and advice from river leaders and will help accelerate progress towards achieving goals set out in the Manawatu River Accord.

Eligible groups include schools, early childhood centres, community and iwi/hapu groups. Applications must be in by May 28 2012.

Funding criteria and application forms are available online at www.manawaturiver.co.nz or for further information please contact Horizons Regional Council on 0508 800 800 or email help@horizons.govt.nz.

The goal of the Manawatu River Accord is to improve the Manawatu River, the mauri (lifeforce) of the Manawatu River Catchment, such that it sustains fish species, and is suitable for contact recreation, in balance with the social, cultural and economic activities of the catchment community.

www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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