Funding boost for biodiversity in Hawke's Bay

The Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay Environmental Enhancement contestable fund opens on Monday, 1 May, supporting individuals and groups with projects to advance biodiversity in the region.

For the first time this year, financial support will be offered on two levels - thanks to a funding injection from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The funding injection is a pilot for one year and, depending on the outcomes, may be offered again in the future.

The fund is split into two categories; $1,000 - $3,000 to support smaller or early-stage projects and $3001- $15,000 for larger or more established projects.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Catchment Management Lead – Biodiversity Thomas Petrie says the Council is excited to partner with Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay.

“Our region’s native species and ecosystems need a real boost and support to recover and thrive, given the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle supporting healthy functioning biodiversity and ecosystems is key for building climate resilience.

We are pleased to be providing additional funding as a pilot for the enhancement fund that will mean more community projects will be supported.”

Applications will be assessed on several criteria, with the ultimate focus on advancing one or both of Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay’s two key goals, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and growing biodiversity communities in Hawke’s Bay.

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay general manager Debbie Monahan says, “We are aware that Hawke’s Bay is still very much in the recovery phase after Cyclone Gabrielle and will be for some time.

With other funding avenues currently closed for community groups, we want to ensure that we can provide support in this important recovery phase.”

The grant historically opens in mid-February, however Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay chose to open the grant later, given the impact of the cyclone.

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay’s community facilitator, Dr Belinda Sleight, is available in May to assist groups with their applications, whether that be project ideas, planning, writing, or technical advice. (Dr Sleight is not part of the committee assessing and allocating the grants).

Assistance with grant applications is one of the many ways Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay supports community groups to be more effective, productive, and ultimately achieve greater positive impact in Hawke’s Bay.

Community groups and individuals can apply for the fund by going to www.biodiversityhb.org

Applications close on 14 June and successful applicants have until 30 June 2024 to complete their projects.

Learn more about biodiversity and the Environmental Enhancement Fund at www.biodiversityhb.org.

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay is the regional community-led 'for purpose' organisation established to work with, and on behalf of, the community to deliver on the objectives of the Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy 2015-2050 (Strategy). Last year the Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay Action Plan 2021 – 2025 was launched as the plan for the Hawke’s Bay community to collectively achieve the goals of the Strategy.

28 April 2023

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