A new grant called the 'Rodney Healthy Harbours and Waterways Fund' is now available to help landowners protect and enhance waterways and wetlands. 

The fund supports waterway and wetland fencing, riparian planting and alternative water supplies for stock to protect riparian margins.

Applications are welcome for projects that protect and restore waterways anywhere in the Rodney area. However, priority will be given to the following catchments: Te Arai, Cape Rodney, Tawharanui, and Matakana Upper and Lower. These areas have high sediment loads that are lost through waterways and into the harbour. 

The Rodney Local Board will also work with partners such as Fonterra, Beef and Lamb, Dairy NZ and groups such as the Forest Bridge Trust within the Rodney Local Board area. The hope is these groups will then be able to work directly with local landowners and give them support.

The fund is available to all landowners, including farmers and lifestyle block owners, mana whenua, iwi groups, community groups, environmental groups and our partners. Projects can take place on private and/or Māori land. 

Applicants can apply for up to 50 per cent of the total project cost. The applicant contribution can be financial, or in-kind (e.g. voluntary labour) or a contribution by other donors. Applicants can also seek funding from alternative sources, with this funding forming part of or the entire applicant contribution towards project costs. The Rodney Local Board views its contribution towards individual projects as a stimulus or top-up, rather than the sole funding source. 

Please contact Alan Phelps on 022 197 8230 or via email [email protected] for an initial assessment, assistance and support planning your project. Once you have spoken to Alan Phelps and agreed on a project plan, you will need to submit your application via SmartyGrants website by 30 November 2020.