Funds available to help improve environment

Special funding is also available to help kura kaupapa maori, kohanga reo and bilingual schools with their environmental projects.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Environmental Enhancement Fund has opened for applications.

Fund co-ordinator Sandy Hohepa said it was open to almost any group or individual needing help to start a community-based environmental project in the Bay of Plenty.

"This year we're especially interested in funding projects that focus on water quality and caring for wildlife and habitats in our streams, lakes, harbours and estuaries," Ms Hohepa said. "We're also on the lookout for projects that enable more sustainable use of waste, water, energy and other natural resources.

"The fund is a great opportunity for people who want to make a difference for the environment to access valuable advice and the financial support they need to get set up.

"Last year we funded 33 projects throughout the Bay of Plenty region which are already achieving awesome results," she said.

One project was led by the Edgecumbe Development Improvement Team, which received funding this year to eradicate and control weeds and plant native trees from Reid's Canal to the Rangitaiki Bridge.

"They started their work opposite the Fonterra factory.

"Fonterra was so impressed with their efforts that they've provided further funding through the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund," Ms Hohepa said.

Special funding is also available to help kura kaupapa maori, kohanga reo and bilingual schools with their environmental projects through the He Matapuna Akoranga a Hawea Vercoe (Hawea Vercoe Memorial Fund).

"The special fund was established in 2011 in honour of the late Bay of Plenty regional councillor and former principal at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rotoiti, Hawea Vercoe. Hawea was passionate about Maori education and the environment," she said.

Schools can apply for up to $25,000 for one project from the Hawea Vercoe Memorial Fund through the fund application process.

Te Whanau Rumaki o Matariki at Gate Pa School extended its Maara Kai Project this year through a 2013 grant from the Hawea Vercoe Fund.

Project leader Reremoana Rota said: "We planted gourds and other Maori crops and native plants as part of an exploration of our cultural identity and 150 year commemorations of the Pukehinahina and Te Ranga battles.

"We feel really fortunate to have access to a fund that helps our tauira [students] to connect with their cultural values in this way."

For information on eligibility criteria and an application pack, go to www.boprc.govt.nz/eef or call the regional council on (0800) 884 880.

Applications for up to $25,000 will be considered until the fund is fully allocated.