Help is at hand for landowners with stock fond of wandering into waterways.
Rodney Local Board's Healthy Harbours and Waterways Fund, open 4 October to 26 November, provides funds to improve water quality by fencing stock out of the area’s streams and harbours.
For the fourth year running, the fund will support community-led initiatives that restore waterways and wetlands on private and Māori land, this year focusing on the high sediment run-off catchments of Te Arai, Cape Rodney, Tāwharanui and Matakana.
Chair Phelan Pirrie says the board wants to stand behind those willing to work on their properties to safeguard waterways and bush, and the wildlife in it.
“Partnering with locals makes sense when our board area spans almost 2500 square kilometres.
“We know riparian planting and fencing waterways to keep stock out works to improve water quality, and by working together we can achieve more.
“Our aim is to protect the rivers that feed into the harbours we fish and boat in - now and into the future.”
The board has already made substantial grants in the Makarau, Mahurangi and Upper Kaipara catchments that have seen thousands of natives planted along riverbanks and kilometres of new fencing added.
Working with Te Uri o Hau to grow native plants for projects, tens of thousands of native plants have been supplied since the partnership began.
Applicants who meet the fund criteria can apply for up to half the value of the entire project, provided they supply or source the other half themselves.
For more information, and to apply, visit the council funding website.
Apply now - Rodney Healthy Harbours Waterways Fund
