Waikato Regional Council’s recent allocation of $1.34 million to four transformative environmental projects marks a pivotal moment in our region’s commitment to ecological restoration. And we have our ratepayers to thank. After all, it was the community who told us during last year’s Long Term Plan deliberations that they would be happy to increase the natural heritage rate from $5.80 to $15 per year.
Pamela Storey
And that’s been a game-changer because it has empowered us to expand support for community-led conservation.
The grants, drawn from the Natural Heritage Fund are a strategic shift toward long-term, landscape-scale initiatives that promise intergenerational benefits for both our environment and economy.
Protecting biodiversity isn’t just an environmental imperative, it is an economic one. And it’s strategic risk management. Healthy ecosystems underpin water security, pollination, and climate resilience – all factors critical to long-term economic stability.
The funding round attracted 10 high-quality applications – testament to the growing momentum behind ecological restoration in our region. By prioritising partnerships over mere funding, we are fostering resilient projects that address biodiversity loss while strengthening community ties.
The projects leading the charge…
- Te Whakaoranga o Karioi – The Karioi Project ($393,000).
A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand’s work on Mt Karioi is a wonderful example of holistic conservation.
See: Pests facing a fresh attack
- Caring for Native Biodiversity in Northern Coromandel ($445,593).
The Moehau Environment Group’s decades-long efforts in pest control and education have safeguarded kiwi habitats and coastal forests. - Kia Mau Tonu Kaitiakitanga o Pirongia ($303,023).
The Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society’s expansion of pest control on Mt Pirongia protects endangered kōkako and rare flora.
See: Pirongia celebrates funding
- Kaimai Mamaku Restoration ($200,000).
Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust’s hub model amplifies iwi/hapū-led pest control across the Kaimai-Mamaku ranges.
Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society members, from left: Gavin Davey, Ken Allen, Gerry Kessels, Steve McClunie, Selwyn June, Jane Sinclair, Matt Hancock (past treasurer) Kevin Christie (chairperson), Cara Hansen, Dianne June (secretary), Brian Bowell, Halle Aish, John Biddle (Ops coordinator Tainui) Tiaki Ormsby (Ngāti Apakura). Photo: Isla Trapski
As Integrated Catchment Management Committee chair Robert Cookson said recently: “We want to support projects to mature and succeed over the long term.”
This philosophy is embedded in our Natural Heritage Partnership Programme, which now includes three tailored funds: Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund (grants up to $5000 for grassroots pest control); Environmental Initiatives Fund (multi-year support up to $40,000 for education and restoration); and Natural Heritage Fund (strategic investments exceeding $40,000 for large-scale impact).
By combining financial support with technical guidance, we’re ensuring projects deliver measurable outcomes, whether it’s through kiwi population rebounds or the revival of culturally significant wetlands.
With $1.4 million available for the next round opening this month, your environmental organisation might want to consider applying.
Our region’s biodiversity isn’t just a natural asset. I believe it’s the foundation of our agricultural productivity, tourism appeal, and cultural identity.
Every dollar invested today secures a legacy of resilience for tomorrow. Let’s continue building a Waikato where nature and prosperity thrive in tandem.
Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society Okahukura volunteers.
