New environmental fund for Hawke's Bay

15 Nov 2024

The Department of Conservation has established a new conservation grant funding programme for Hawke’s Bay, opening the door for the community to undertake predator control or replanting of areas with native species.  

The goal of the fund is to create areas of habitat alive with flora and fauna across Hawke’s Bay and contribute to nature-based solutions to some of the region’s environmental challenges.

DOC is passing on a generous bequeathment to conservation into the management of Eastern and Central Community Trust Incorporated (ECCT). The $13.753 million is earmarked for Hawke’s Bay-based predator control and revegetation projects. This will see approximately $500,000 of grant funding available for distribution in the first funding round in 2025.

ECCT is a community trust providing funding and grants to community groups within the Gisborne District, Hawke's Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.

Alice Heather, Lower North Island Operations Director for DOC, says the money was donated with the goal to fill the bush and trees with birds.

“In practice, this means supporting projects that protect and enhance our ecosystems and reduce the negative effects of predators on new plantings and existing tree cover,” says Alice. “By taking an integrated landscape approach with projects funded by the new conservation grants, rather than focusing on land held by one or two agencies, this funding will help realise the vision of recloaking areas of the Hawke’s Bay.”

“ECCT has the experience and resources to manage the funding well, and we are pleased to partner with them to fulfil the dream of the generous benefactor.”

Georgina Morrison, Chair of the ECCT, says she is delighted DOC has trusted ECCT to help Hawke's Bay's environment flourish.

“The environment is a key priority under ECCT's 2023-2030 Strategic Plan,” says Georgina, “and this aligns perfectly with our vision of creating more sustainable, vibrant, and equitable communities.”

Community groups, private landowners, iwi and agencies throughout Hawke’s Bay can apply for the funding. Applications will be assessed by an expert panel, including DOC, community conservation representatives, and iwi.

Applications are expected to open mid-2025, with funding released to the successful projects in October 2025.