Applications open for Horizons’ new Environmental Leaders Action Fund

Horizons support schools and ECEs through education sessions, resource kits, hui, workshops, and delivering the Enviroschools Programme, a national sustainability programme. Previously, funding was available only to Enviroschools through the Pat Kelly Enviroschools Action Fund. This year, the fund has been expanded and redesigned to ensure all schools and centres in the Horizons region have the opportunity to apply.

Horizons senior environmental educator and Enviroschools regional leader Sarah Williams says the change reflects the council’s commitment to empowering more young people to take environmental action.

“Projects must align with one of our strategic priorities - supporting healthy ecosystems, building sustainable and empowered communities, strengthening relationships with iwi, and increasing resilience to climate change.”
“This opens the door for a wide range of meaningful projects.”
Past projects funded through the previous scheme have included initiatives focused on water conservation, māra kai and plant‑to‑plate programmes, composting, worm farming, recycling, biodiversity enhancement, and pest control says Ms Williams.

“This year we will be unable to fund trapping projects, however schools with an interest in this area can reach out to us discuss support with these types of projects.”

“We can’t wait to see what projects come forward this year, and we’re especially keen to connect with schools we haven’t worked with before.”

Applications for the Environmental Leaders Action Fund close on Sunday 16 August 2026 at 5pm, to find out more or apply visit https://haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz

“We also have a transport fund available, where schools can apply for support with travel costs to visit icon sites in our region. These are Manawatū Estuary, Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge, Tōtara Reserve Regional Park, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, Bush Park Tarapuruhi, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre, the Otorohanga Kiwi House, plus they can visit their local resource recovery centre.

“We know that transport costs are a barrier to schools to get their students outside of the classroom so we hope that this fund will help in some way for them to visit one of our icon sites, says Ms Williams.  
The transport fund is open all year round, or until all funds have been allocated. Find out more by visiting www.horizons.govt.nz/grantsandsponsorships.