Tuesday 11 December 2018

Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord community grants funding awarded

The Manawatū River Leaders’ Forum are pleased to announce nine successful applications who have secured community grants funding for fresh water improvement projects throughout the Manawatū Catchment.

The Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord runs a contestable community funding programme once a year with the support of Horizons Regional Council. This year the fund has been expanded with help from Manawatū District Council and the Ministry for the Environment, through the Freshwater Improvement Fund.

Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord independent chair Richard Thompson says that from 2018, for the next five years there is $100,000 of available funding for community projects per year.

“The grants aim to assist non-profit organisations such as community groups, schools, catchment care groups and iwi/hapū with projects that will help increase engagement with Manawatū waterways and improve water quality in the catchment,” says Mr Thompson.

“This year there was $99,000 allocated to nine separate projects, each of exceptional calibre. Several of the projects are in their second or third year and are beginning to see real progress.

“Of the nine projects, four are for riparian planting and/or fencing and two are feasibility studies, one looking into wetland construction and the other an access path to the Ōroua Awa.

“Depending on the results of the feasibility studies, these projects may proceed into on the ground works in the future.

“The last three projects are for a stream restoration programme; a project focused on education and removing plastic from waterways, and a community group project to grow rata for planting in riparian buffers.

“Planting riparian strips and natives is highly beneficial for stream conditions. In doing so, these streams will see reduced weed and algae growth, improved habitat for native fish and stream invertebrates, erosion reduction, and improved habitat and food sources for bees and birdlife,” explains Mr Thompson.

“Community engagement continues to be a focus for the River Accord. Recently a new Manawatū River website was launched, alongside the release of a 2016-21 Action Plan Progress Report, and the inaugural Manawatū River Festival held in Palmerston North on 24 November.”

“The festival was a big success which we’re looking into the possibility of it becoming an annual event. We hope this increased engagement will translate to more community projects in the future,” says Mr Thompson.

This year’s funding was awarded to: B & P Drysdale and Te Kauru for continuation of riparian fencing and planting of the source of the Manawatū River (near Norsewood).

New Zealand Landcare Trust for riparian fencing and planting in the Stoney Creek Catchment.

Mangaone West Landcare Group for riparian fencing and planting in the Mangaone West Catchment.

Ōroua River Catchment Care Group for riparian enhancement and weed control in Timona Park.

Save Our River Trust for a feasibility study for the construction of a wetland to treat stormwater discharged from Kings Canal prior to entering the Foxton Loop.

Te Rangimarie Marae for a feasibility study about creating an access way to the Ōroua Awa from the Marae.

Ngā Kaitiaki ō te Rerenga Rauropi for the restoration of the Pioneer Highway Stream.

Manawatū Source to Sea for education and removal of plastic from water.

Dannevirke Host Lions Club for growing rata to be planted in riparian zones in the Tararua.

For more information on the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord, or the community funding programme, visit www.manawaturiver.co.nz.

ENDS

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