Biodiversity Grants Provide a Boost for Environmental Projects in Kaipara

Buying humane traps to destroy pests in 417 hectares of high quality indigenous forest at Brynderwyn is among six projects benefiting from the Kaipara District Council’s Biodiversity Improvement Fund this year. The contestable fund was established in 2004 to encourage biodiversity in the District and this year $10,890 has been allocated.

Marunui Conservation Limited has been granted $1,000 to replace Fenn Traps with new Department of Conservation 200 predator traps which meet draft National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee guidelines as humane killers. The company was formed in 1987 to conserve the 417 hectares on the Southern Brynderwyn Hills. This is the largest area covenanted by the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust in Northland and is described as a fantastic representation of podocarp forest which shelters endangered or rare species including Hochstetter Frogs, Pied Tits, Bellbirds, Red Crowned Kakariki and Kaka.

Marunui Conservation Limited says comprehensive pest control since 2004 has produced significant benefits, including increased bird numbers.

Other projects receiving assistance include Andrew Trevelyan and Jenny Grainger, who have been granted $4,040 for fencing in their project at Mangawhai, fencing off natural watercourses and replanting them with natives.

Toni and Ron Sylvester, on behalf of Takahoa Bay Society Incorporated, received $1,100 towards replanting a gully and watercourse on Oneriri Peninsula. They sought funding to purchase 100 kahikatea, 20 lancewoods, 30 mahoe plus slow release fertiliser.

The Absurbistan Community’s project to protect and enhance watercourses and native bush on land retired from farming at Oneriri has been granted $1,500 toward buying trees and digger hirerage.

An ongoing Glinks Gully project, restoring a dune ecosystem damaged by cattle and fire, has been granted $750 for weed control and new plantings. Glinks Gully Protection Society Incorporated has planted more than 2,000 plants there over the past four years.

$2,500 will supply plants for the Rototuna Restoration Project, involving the Pouto School and community for several years in replanting riparian margins around upper Lake Rototuna.

Community Spaces Manager Stephen Soole says there were fewer applications this year than previously “but the quality of the projects involved was very high and the funding granted will make a significant contribution to them.”

Kaipara District Council established the contestable Biodiversity Improvement Fund in 2004 to encourage environmental projects in the District. Individuals, groups, community and conservation organisations, Maori groups or schools are all eligible to apply.

Projects must benefit Kaipara’s native biodiversity and in judging them Council considers community benefit and the extent of other contributions, including voluntary labour.

Grants are for a maximum of 50 per cent of a project.