Rotorua and Taupo environment projects get support
Date: 13 October 2008
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Three projects in Rotorua and Taupo, aimed at protecting threatened species and enhancing the local environment, are to benefit from the latest round of the Biodiversity Funds, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard and Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said today.
The Rotorua and Taupo projects are among 71 projects throughout the country that will receive a total of $1.3 million from the Biodiversity Funds.
Rotorua and Taupo received $99,178 for three projects. The MPs today met with representatives of the Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authority in Rotorua who will receive $56,860 to increase awareness and the involvement of members in promoting the conservation of native flora and fauna. The work will include workshops and hui, and the development of an Action Plan for Biodiversity on Maori Land. Over time this protection of natural resources will lead to improved soil conservation and lake water quality, as well as economic benefits.
"The projects are a great example of collaboration and partnerships between regional and local councils, central government, private landowners and local communities. The support from the Labour-led government is great news for our local environment and demonstrates Labour's commitment to biodiversity," Steve Chadwick said.
"The Biodiversity Funds are really zeroing in on the National Priorities for Biodiversity, so that threatened species, such as mudfish, kiwi and New Zealand dotterel will benefit. "At risk" environments, including coastal dune lands, lowland forests and freshwater habitats such as wetlands and streams are also receiving this support," Trevor Mallard said.
"The Biodiversity Funds over the last seven years have provided financial assistance to almost 1000 projects on private land. A new $4 million Community Conservation Fund will support community initiatives on public land. That means there is now significant investment being made by the Labour-led government to support community and landowner-led initiatives in halting the decline of New Zealand's biodiversity," Steve Chadwick said.
The next funding round for the Biodiversity Funds will open towards the end of October.
Other Rotorua and Taupo Biodiversity Fund 2008 recipients:
Organisation: Owhaoko B & D Trust
A grant of $41,118 to the Owhaoko B&D Trust will be used to engage a consultant to assist with a conservation and environmental management plan for the 13,778 hectares of Trust lands in the Patea Plateau and eastern Kaimanawa Ranges of the central North Island. It will inform the Trust on management options to protect the indigenous vegetation of the area.
Organisation: Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd
A grant of $1,200 to Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd will be used to build possum proof cages to protect Dactylanthus taylorii, a threatened plant, from possums. Dactylanthus taylorii is New Zealand's only completely parasitic flowering plant, and is one of 25 plants being protected at this site. This land is located south-east of Tokoroa, in an area protected by a covenant, and provides habitat for long-tailed bat and New Zealand Falcon.
back to top