Hawke's Bay's wetlands and waterways to get part of $10m government funding

Hawke's Bay wetlands and waterways are set to benefit from $10m of government funding. Photo / Warren Buckland

Wetlands and waterways in Hawke's Bay are set to benefit from a portion of $10 million of government funding for large-scale tree planting.

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor and Forestry Minister Shane Jones announced the investment aimed at providing jobs in communities and improving the environment.

The funding, from the One Billion Trees Fund, will aim to ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place for the right purpose.

New, more flexible funding criteria for applications will help up to 10 catchment groups plant landscapes at a whole-of-catchment scale, enabling them to achieve the greatest environmental outcomes.

The investment aims to provide jobs in communities and improve the environment. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay Regional Council Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management Iain Maxwell said the funding is "great news" for the region.

"Hawke's Bay Regional Council is looking at what the details and criteria are, and what the opportunities could be for the region," he said.

"We are already working with individual landowners and supporting them seeking funding from the One Billion Trees fund alongside our Erosion Control Scheme."

Catchment groups will also be able to apply for funding for associated costs, such as land preparation, labour and pest control.

Jones said the funding was primarily designed to increase planting and improve waterways.

"They are a practical example of how this Government is listening to and working with people to support them in their desire to make environmental and freshwater improvements," he said.

"Importantly, as we look to support those affected by the economic fallout from Covid-19, these large-scale planting and restoration initiatives will also provide employment in their communities and support the plant nursery sector."

The revised funding criteria has been expanded to include suitable plants, such as grasses and shrubs, and planting of areas of less than 1ha, to support planting along waterways and in wetlands.

The funding is in addition to the $100m from the Provincial Growth Fund for waterway fencing, riparian planting and stockwater reticulation.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is also working with a wide range of catchment groups around New Zealand to support their work to lift freshwater quality and farming practice.

O'Connor said his goal was to reach up to 2200 farmers across the country over the next three years.

"Catchment groups provide wonderful opportunities for farmers to support and learn from each other," he said.

"They also provide an avenue for collaborative, grassroots action to resolve local issues, including improving sustainability and improving water quality.

"MPI's extension work is funded through the $229m Productive and Sustainable Land Use package announced in Budget 2019, which includes more than $35m for on-the-ground support via extension services."