Wanting to plant on your land to enhance biodiversity, control erosion or save a wetland?
Great! Now you should be looking for expertise or finance that is funded through an organisation near you. That could be a council or a government or environmental group that has the right to grant you professional advice or funding.
Funding for planting comes in many different ways throughout New Zealand's different regions. There is not a one guide from central or local governments that sets the opportunities for funding out clearly. Applying for funding is never as glamourous as it sounds, writing the application is often time consuming, results take longer than expected and at times you're dealing with people that don't understand what your specific piece of land requires. But if you persevere and get in a convincing application then you're right in line to receive funding for your project. Just remember that during the project you may also be required to report back to the grant-giver, to justify your spending.
In this article we will provide you with our top 6 picks for funding opportunities in Canterbury over a range of difference sectors or reasons for planting. These links will be the launching page for you to get the ball rolling on your application process. New opportunities for funding will open up as time and government rules move forward.
Top 3 Links for Farmers and Landowners:
These links are specifically for farmers or landowners wanting to retire land, increase biodiversity or clean waterways that pass through the property.
- Environment Canterbury - North Canterbury Soil Conservation and Revegetation (SCAR) Program
This programme runs for 4 years 2023 -2027 with a total of 1.9M in grants available. "Through land-based action and community-based support, this programme aims to provide to sustainable and resilient outcomes for erosion prone land and its communities. The programme builds on the previous programme, focussing on the Hurunui and Kaikoura Districts and also expand into the Waimakariri District."
2. Selwyn District Council - Natural Environment Fund
The NEF has a yearly funding round that stops on the last Friday of every May. "The fund is available to encourage and support landowners and members of the community to enhance and restore native biodiversity in the Selwyn District." This fund is available to residents both individuals and groups that are wanting to protect, restore or increase native vegetation on their land or control predators in already established areas.
https://www.selwyn.govt.nz/services/funding-And-grants/selwyn-natural-environment-fund
3. Waitaki Regional Council - Waitaki Biodiversity Fund
$30,000 Annual Fund. Next Opens 1 April 2024 - Friday 23rd August 2024.
"This $30,000 annual fund has been established to support landowners who are taking practical steps to protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity in the Waitaki District, principally on private land." This fund maybe a bit harder to secure as it prioritises land protected by formal covenant like QEII, land recognised as a Significant Natural Area or that meets the SNA criteria.
Top 3 Links for small community planting projects:
These links are for community groups, volunteers organisation or schools that need funding for a project that is important to them and the wider community.
- Mackenzie District Council - Community Board Grant
Twizel, Tekapo and Fairlie all have small grants available to apply for. Projects that are funded include not-for-profit events and projects, projects that benefit the wider community or a section of the community served by the community board and projects that respond to a current or future community need. We're sure that planting in your community could fit into the requirements, if done right.
https://www.mackenzie.govt.nz/community/grants-and-scholarships/community-board-grant
2. Environment Canterbury - Water Zone Committees
If you have a project that requires funding that will help improve water management, enhance biodiversity, or engage the community in the south canterbury area then some of the $75,000 could be allocated to you. This link has the contact details of the key people that can help you apply for funding in your area.
3. Trees that Count - Become a Planter
Applications are accepted annually and your project must be a minimum of 500 native trees. "Trees That Count only supports permanent native forest projects, or plantings which will provide significant biodiversity outcomes and/or enhance community wellbeing/recreation."
https://help.treesthatcount.co.nz/en/articles/8514952-applying-for-native-trees
Embarking on the journey to secure funding for native planting in New Zealand is not just a pursuit of financial support; it is a commitment to the preservation and restoration of our unique ecosystems. While navigating the complexities of grant applications may not be as straight forward as we would like, remember that each dollar secured represents a catalyst to help you enhance biodiversity, control erosion or save a wetland on your land.
Do you know of any other great funding schemes that we should add to this list? Let us know admin@riversidehort.co.nz