2011 Funding Round Open!!

The Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust is now seeking applications for its eighth funding round for ecological enhancement projects in the Lake Taupo and Waikato River catchments. Applications close on 31 January 2011. Funding will go toward assisting organisations, agencies and individuals with projects that foster and enhance the sustainable management of ecological resources in the Lake Taupo and Waikato River catchments.

Since its inception the Trust has distributed $1.5 million throughout the Waikato catchment with a further $880,000 committed over the next three years.

Funding will go toward assisting organisations, agencies and individuals with projects that foster and enhance the sustainable management of ecological resources in the Lake Taupo and Waikato River catchments.

Trust Chair, Gwyneth Verkerk, who represents the Advisory Committee on Regional Environment (ACRE) on the Trust, said that by working with community partners and supporting local organisations the Trust had helped to protect and enhance wetlands and waterways across the region and  it continues to see these areas as its top priority.

The wetland ecosystems of the Waikato River are  unique and important habitat for many species. The Waikato peat lakes are nationally significant and the Whangamarino is an internationally-protected site under the Ramsar Convention.

“These are sites of huge cultural and ecological value – at a global as well as a national level – and WCEET is proud to be supporting local communities to restore and nhance  them so that they can be enjoyed by our children and their children.” said Dr Verkerk.

The Trust supports projects throughout the catchment that maintain and enhance indigenous biodiversity, sports fisheries and game bird populations. Projects funded previously have included riparian fencing, improved fish passage, pest trapping, native tree cultivation and planting.

In 2010 the Trust distributed grants to organisations throughout the Waikato such as: Fish & Game NZ, Te Kawakawa Ahu Whenua Trust, Mangakotukutuku Streamcare Group, Department of Conservation, Lower Mangapiko Streamcare Group, Rotorua District Council, National Wetland Trust, Tongariro Natural History Society, Environment Waikato and Waikato RiverCare.  Individual multi-year grants ranged from $6,000 to $100,000 and as with previous years the Trust willcontinue supporting both small and large projects in 2011.

Dr Verkerk said the Trust was made up of a wide range of Waikato organisations that have a close association with the Lake Taupo-Waikato River catchment.

“Members of the Trust include representatives from Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Department of Conservation, Fish and Game New Zealand, Mercury, and the Advisory Committee on the Regional Environment,” she said.

To obtain an application form or further information about the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust email: enquires@wceet.org.nz