Fund for environmental initiatives launched in Hutt Valley

Applications are now open for a new Community Environment Fund in the Hutt Valley, in which schools, community and kaitiakitanga groups can apply for up to $10,000 a year for up to three years.

Groups and projects with environmental focus in the Hutt Valley have until 30 March to send their applications to Greater Wellington, in the latest branch of the regional council’s support for grassroots environmental restoration and sustainability mahi.

Jo Fagan, Greater Wellington’s senior community and capability advisor says that there is a wide range of groups that can apply for the funding.

“We are looking to provide support to groups that are located in the Hutt Valley, on public land such as council reserves, DOC land or mana whenua owned areas,” says Fagan.

“It is also essential that any groups applying, uphold manaakitanga, by showing respect, generosity and care for others in the mahi that they do. By sustaining and restoring the mauri of te taiao (the natural world) it also sustains and restores mauri to those who carry out the mahi.”

“Funds awarded are to be used for costs such as native plants, supplies to grow those plants, tools, pest plant/animal control and refreshments for working bees. They cannot be used for paying salaries or wages of staff.”

The Newlands Native Nursery has received funding from Te Awarua-o-Porirua Community Environment Fund, and one of the core volunteers Fionna Sheppard says that the financial aid has been much needed for the community led garden.

“Funding has been a key issue for us, and we have been so grateful to the regional council for our grants each year through the community funding programme,” says Sheppard.

“We have required funding for specific items, mainly infrastructure, such as concrete paving in an area that was prone to getting very muddy in the winter, and to build an extension to the old small shade house used for seed raising.”

“We all consider the nursery to be our happy place, and it has meant we have met so many interesting people over the years.”

Applications for the fund must be submitted by 5pm Sunday 30 March. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 5 May.

For more information on the fund criteria and how to apply, visit Greater Wellington.