Environment fund helps support community groups

Applications for Greater Wellington Regional Council's Community Environment Fund are open with the aim of supporting community groups to restore, maintain and protect our native ecosystems.

Greater Wellington Senior Biodiversity Advisor Jo Fagan says the fund is for projects in the Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and catchment area, from Churton Park to Pukerua Bay and inland of Pauatahanui.

"The goal for this funding is to support local community groups who are out there working hard to both protect and restore our environment.

"Groups can apply for up to three years of funding for things like tools, native plants and pest plant and animal control," Jo says.

Many groups have received this funding since it first began in 2015, including the Friends of Taupo Swamp and Catchment who are currently engaged in a five-year restoration project in the southern part of the Taupō Swamp wetland area.

"The grant for this group has been put towards set up costs as well as the cost of some 1200 suitable plants for this area," Jo says.

Another group to benefit from the fund is the Friends of Whitireia Park who have been working for 12 years restoring different areas of the park including Onehunga Bay, Kaiaua Bay and Onepoto Stream.

By restoring native plants around the park the group has provided important habitat and food sources for a range of native species including lizards and butterflies.

"The Friends of Whitireia Park undertakes extensive predator control and have seen success in the restoration of ecosystems as well as connecting people with their local environment.

"It is important as an organisation that we support these community groups and encourage them to continue the fantastic work they are doing."

Greater Wellington is encouraging all groups who fit the bill to apply for the Community Environment Fund - applications close on September 30.

http://www.gwrc.govt.nz/communityfunding/