Community Environment Fund (2021)

The Community Environment Fund supports community groups to restore, maintain and protect native ecosystems. This is a joint initiative between Greater Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

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 stream 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)
• Contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Ngāti Toa Statement and improve opprtunities for people to connect with the land
• 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
• Take into account the effects of climate change

Key dates

Applications open – Monday 9 August 2021

Applications close – 5pm Thursday 30 September 2021

Successful applications announced – by the end of November

How to apply

Download the application form, save it to your computer while you are working on it and then email it through to Biodiversity@gw.govt.nz with the subject line ‘Community Environment Fund Application’.

One of the questions on the application form relates to the Ngāti Toa Statement - read the Ngāti Toa Statement here.

Successful applicants may need to provide a short restoration plan before funding can be granted, and will need to complete a brief annual report on how the allocated funds were spent and what was achieved in the years afterwards.

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 at biodiversity@gw.govt.nz.