Applications now open for community grants

Horizons Regional Council is inviting applications for two annual funding programmes that support community-driven environmental initiatives.
 

The Kanorau Koiora Taketake - Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant and the Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi - Community Climate Response Fund provide support for groups leading local environmental action. Iwi, hapū, schools, catchment care groups and landowner groups who can apply for resources to help bring their projects to life and deliver meaningful benefits for the environment.
 
Horizons chair Nikki Riley says every year Council is impressed by the range of applications received.
 
“We are committed to supporting and enabling our communities to fulfil their aspirations for their local environment. I strongly encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply.”
 
The Kanorau Koiora Taketake - Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant supports projects that improve indigenous biodiversity and involve community, ideally incorporating mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) where possible. This is the sixth year that the fund has been available.
 
“Last year Horizons allocated funds to 32 new projects, supporting a range of projects from the community that focus on pest animal and plant control, and wetland and forest restoration,” says Cr Riley.
 
“We also had several schools receiving funding to support school-led initiatives in conjunction with community groups, encouraging stronger community connections and purpose. For example, St Joseph’s School in Feilding are working on restoration at Almadale Reserve in the Manawatū, while Weber School are working closely with the Puketoi to the Pacific Catchment Collective on a stream restoration next to the school.
 
“These initiatives show how community-led biodiversity projects can strengthen biodiversity while fostering deeper connections between people and place.” Cr Riley says this year,
 
Horizons has refined the impact areas for the Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi - Community Climate Response Fund to ensure it better meets the needs of communities across the region.
 
“The updated focus areas now include building resilience planning, strengthening access to essential resources such as water, energy and food, and supporting nature-based solutions that enhance ecosystems, restoration efforts and sustainable farming systems.
 
“Last year, successful applications saw Heritage Food Crops support food resilience in Whanganui with gifting of seeds, seedlings and fruit trees. The Eco School offers household assessments to ensure your home is running as efficiently as it can, and Kahuterawa Valley Regeneration Club continues with the ‘Plant My Berm’ project in Palmerston North to support flood resilience across the city.
 
“These projects highlight the creativity and commitment within our region and demonstrate how targeted support can help communities turn great ideas into meaningful climate action.
 
“Interested community groups can find out if they are eligible for funding and support by visiting our website where they’ll find the guidelines and criteria for each of the grants.”
 
For more information and to apply for either of these grants visit the Horizons website https://www.horizons.govt.nz/about-our-region-and-council/grants-and-sponsorship/biodiversity-grants