New funds gives catchment projects a boost

Environment Southland has ring-fenced $375,000 for new funding initiatives, aimed at enhancing water quality.

Environment Southland has created two new funds, available to all landowners within the Southland region, to provide the community with an opportunity to undertake projects with up to 50 per cent of the costs covered by the council. This will total $140,000 for the first year.

The third area of funding will grant Thriving Southland $235,000 to fund wetland mitigations and other water quality improvement projects. The fund will run until June 2026.

Environment Southland community and engagement general manager Sam Rossiter-Stead said by providing this financial assistance Environment Southland hopes to encourage community-driven efforts to protect and restore the natural environment.

“The funds are a great opportunity for landowners to get help to cover the costs of planned projects,” he said.

“If you have identified an environmental improvement for your property but have been put off by the associated costs, this grant could provide the necessary financial support to help you implement those changes.

“These funds give Environment Southland the ability to partner with the community so more projects can be achieved to protect and restore the natural environment of Murihiku Southland.”

The Environment Southland funding is divided into two categories, one for land management and the other for native planting.

The aim of the Land Sustainability Mitigations Fund is to enable landowners to put in place mitigations that will help to improve freshwater outcomes. Eligible projects include fencing critical source areas, constructing and fencing wetlands, building detainment bunds, fencing off gullies, planting poles on eroding land, installing bark chip bioreactors, and wetland restoration. This category covers 50 per cent of project costs up to $5,000.

“This fund may give you the boost you need to make a tangible impact on your local catchment.”

The Southland Native Planting Fund also covers 50 per cent of project costs, but up to $3,000. It supports native planting adjacent to waterways, in wetlands, for forest restoration, in critical source areas, and on retired farmland.

To be eligible for funding, projects must be discussed with an Environment Southland land sustainability officer before submitting an application. Completed applications must be received by close of business on 14 February, 2025.

All projects must be completed within the financial year, with invoices submitted by 15 June, 2025.

Environment Southland encourages all eligible landowners to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to sustainable land management and water quality improvement.

For more information or to apply, contact Environment Southland on 0800 76 88 45.