Environmental grants round opens

Bay of Plenty community groups passionate about improving their environment can apply for up to $30,000 from Thursday 1 March when Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Environmental Enhancement Fund opens.

The annual funding round is open for applications until Friday 13 April for projects which enhance the natural or historic character of an important area in the Bay of Plenty region.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Corporate Services Group Manager Brian Trott encouraged community groups to apply for funding.

"The Environmental Enhancement Fund's target areas for this year are water quality, harbours and estuaries or threatened native species and their habitats," Mr Trott said.

"Let us help fund the improvements to your environment. We want to support the enthusiasm and passion people have for their region."

Mr Trott said that by supporting community led projects Regional Council helps improve public access to and understanding of the region's environment as well as enhancing it.

The Regional Council also has funding for environmental projects in Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kōhanga Reo and bilingual schools in the Bay of Plenty through He Mātāpuna Akoranga ā Hāwea Vercoe - Hāwea Vercoe Commemoration Fund.

The Commemoration Fund was launched last year in honour of the late Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor and former principal Hāwea Vercoe and is also open until 13 April for applications.

"If you and your community have a project in mind we encourage you to come along to our public briefing sessions to find out how you can apply for the funding we have available.

"It's also a great opportunity to see how community groups have previously benefited from the Environmental Enhancement Fund," he said.

The under $5,000 option to the fund is also open for applications year round.

"The under $5,000 fund is a good first step for many groups to get their project underway," he said.

Public briefing sessions about the funds will be held at Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices around the region in March:

For more information or application packs contact Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 0800 884 880 and ask for Environmental Enhancement Fund Officer Sandy Hohepa or Community Relations Officer Jackie Read.

The application packs are also available at Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices and online at www.boprc.govt.nz/eef