Posted: 07 November 2005
Almost $300,000 allocated from 2005 NRC Environmental Fund
This year’s Northland Regional Council Environmental Fund has grown to almost $300,000, thanks in part to industry partnerships with organisations like Honda.
Eighty-eight diverse projects from lakeside predator control to fencing wetlands have received almost $300,000 funding from this year’s expanded Northland Regional Council Environmental Fund.
Council Chairman Mark Farnsworth says applications for this year’s fund were up about 50 percent on previous years and saw 116 applications for nearly $1 million funding.
Since 1996 the fund has typically provided about $100,000 annually to help people improve and protect Northland’s natural environment. However, this year’s fund was significantly boosted to almost $300,000 through increased Council funding and partnerships with industry.
Among the industry sponsorship was an $11,360 contribution from the Honda NZ Tree Fund for Northland-based native revegetation projects.
Geoff Pointon, General Manager of Whangarei-based Northern Honda, says the $11,360 represents Northland’s share of a national fund that Honda contributes to each time a new vehicle is sold. “We’re delighted to see this money coming back to Northland.”
Meanwhile, Mr Farnsworth says the NRC Environmental Fund typically contributes up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project – all of which must be of long-term benefit to the local environment and show clear evidence of good resource management.
“Applicants must be able to provide the remainder of the cost with time, cash costs, other funding or in-kind contributions such as voluntary labour and donated materials.”
Of the projects funded this year, 40 are based in the Far North District, 28 in the Whangarei District and 20 from the Kaipara.
Mr Farnsworth says the largest single grant made this year was $20,600 to help fence off riparian areas around Lake Omapere, while the smallest – just $275 – went to help with pest control in the North Hokianga area.
“My fellow Councillors and I are delighted at the level of interest shown in this year’s fund and thrilled to be able to help fund so many worthwhile projects. The benefits of many of these projects will continue to be felt for many years.”
This year’s funding has been spilt across five basic areas;
- General
- Wetland protection and enhancement
- Pest animal and plant control
- Revegetation and enhancement with native plants
- Dairy farm projects supporting Clean Streams Accord targets