Marlborough’s grassroots projects awarded funds for nature
Hinepango Wetland Restoration largely runs on volunteers and has received multiple rounds of funding for various stages of protecting and enhancing this significant wetland
Now in its fifth year, the Working for Nature/Mahi mō te Taiao fund has awarded environment grants to 21 projects across Marlborough.
The project aims to protect and restore native habitats and increase environmental education. Community projects range from protecting pekapeka (long-tailed bats) at Pelorus Bridge to rewilding a stream in the Marlborough Sounds.
In April, Council received 28 applications for the annual grant scheme with nearly $260,000 of funding requested from community groups, almost double the $138,000 available. In the end, 21 projects were awarded funding, including nine awarded the full requests.
“The $138,000 on offer from Council was increased from $111,500 last year,” Council’s Biodiversity Officer Zeke Hoskins, who administers the fund, said.
“We’ve seen more interest each year from grassroots community groups. Some of these groups received initial funding for their projects in previous years and are now applying for the next phases or expansions of their projects.”
Applicants can opt for three categories to protect native flora and fauna against pests and predators, restore native habitats, or environmental advocacy. Applications are assessed by a sub-committee of Council’s Environment and Planning committee, with each based on its own merits. Councillors look at benefits to a healthy environment, project viability, level of collaboration from outside sources, and ongoing maintenance of the project. Projects that have part-funding from other sources are also looked upon favourably.
Fifteen recipients received about 75 per cent of the funds to control pests and predators, as well as invasive weeds.
“Most of the funding this year supported the Protecting Marlborough category,” Zeke said. “This shows that Marlborough’s community is passionate towards the reduction of pests across the region to help achieve a predator-free New Zealand.”
The next round of funding for the 2025-2026 grants will open on 1 April 2025. Go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz for a full list of this year’s grant recipients.
