Funding

The Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust assists organisations, agencies and individuals with projects which foster and enhance the sustainable management of ecological resources in the Lake Taupo and Waikato River catchments.

Trust priorities for funding

At present the areas of highest priority for the Trust are:

  • Protection and enhancement of wetlands in general – high priority wetlands include:
    • The Waikato River delta
      • The extensive complex of wetlands in the Meremere Ecological District.
      • Lake Ohakuri, particularly wetland restoration in the Whirinaki Arm.
      • Protection and enhancement of small remnant wetlands in the upper Waikato River catchment.
      • Large wetlands associated with the lower reaches of streams and rivers flowing into Lake Taupo.
  • Riparian fencing and planting.
  • Maintenance or enhancement of ecological connectivity (e.g. fish passage).
  • More intensive and focussed control of ecologically significant plant and animal pests.
  • Identification of key information deficiencies or requirements.

What we do fund

The Trust will fund projects that achieve its purpose and objectives. The Trust will generally give priority to funding projects which:

  • are cost effective
  • focus on ecological deliverables, i.e. practical projects that protect, manage and enhance the natural and physical environment of the Waikato River catchment.
  • have a high degree of community support
  • show clear evidence of wider and sustainable ecological benefits over time
  • are not fully funded by the Trust (i.e. have contributions from other sources, which could include “in kind” actions)
  • raise environmental awareness and/or increase environmental knowledge

Projects that have been funded in the past include:

  • wetland, stream and riparian restoration
  • restoration of shallow lakes and peat lakes
  • pest animal control and monitoring
  • predator proof fencing and control
  • weed control and planting
  • environmental education projects
  • projects that benefit game species as well as indigenous species

What we don’t fund

The Trust will not generally fund:

  • activities which are outside the Lake Taupo and Waikato River catchments
  • activities which the Trust considers are priority responsibilities or obligations of other agencies
  • overseas travel or conference expenses
  • administration expenses
  • completed or retrospective projects
  • repayment of loans or meeting loan repayments
  • activities that result in direct personal or economic gain
  • purchase of large capital items of equipment (e.g. trailers, chainsaws, vehicles etc)
  • activities or work that is required as a condition of a resource consent or district council subdivision consent

When to apply

WCEET has one funding round per year.  Applications must be received by 31st March of each year.

Applying for funding

The following links provide guidelines on how to apply and an application form you can download.

NOTE: Please read the guidelines before applying for funding


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