Community Environment Fund (2019/20)

The Community Environment Fund supports community groups to restore, maintain and protect native ecosystems.

This round of funding is for projects in Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and surrounding catchment area - from Churton Park to Pukerua Bay and inland of Pauatahanui.

Apply to this fund if you have a project in this area that will improve ecosystems, benefit the harbour, involve the wider community, and spread the word about the importance of your work.

Who can apply?

Volunteer community groups can apply for funding to support environmental projects that are:

• Located within Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and surrounding catchment areas (shown in the map below)
• On public land, for example: council reserves, Department of Conservation land and some river margins

What can funding be used for?

Groups can apply for up to $10,000 each year for up to three years, to fund:

• Native plants, plant protectors and fertiliser
• Materials to grow your own native plants
• Tools
• Pest plant control
• Pest animal control
• Refreshments for working bees

This fund is not for paying salaries or wages of people involved in the project.

Find out about other projects that have been supported by this fund.

What would a successful application look like?

Priority will be given to projects that will:

• Enhance the health of local ecosystems including native plants and animals around the harbour and catchment area (e.g., providing habitats for key species)
• Reduce threats to the harbour and surrounding ecosystems (e.g., stopping sediment washing in to streams and the harbour and managing pest plants and animals)
• Involve the wider community in the project and raise environmental awareness  (e.g., involving schools and other groups)
• Be achievable and have a plan to maintain the project once completed

Key dates

Applications open – Monday 19 August

Applications close – 5pm Monday 30 September

Successful applications announced – by Friday 1 November

How to apply

If you prefer to complete a paper form, here is a print version you can fill in and post to us.

All successful applicants will need to complete a short restoration plan and a brief annual report on how the allocated funds were spent and what was achieved.

Help to plan your project

Contact us if you need advice on your project, such as the best plant species for your site and how to control pest plants and animals.

More information

For more information, or to discuss your application, email Jo Fagan or Micheline Evans biodiversity@gw.govt.nz.