Date:  10 March 2015

As announced by the Minister of Conservation, Hon Maggie Barry, the second round of the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund (CCPF) is now open. 

“Last year, the fund made a significant contribution to conservation in the East Coast district. Communities were able to work in partnership with the Department of Conservation undertaking practical on-the-ground projects.”

“The fund was heavily contested and expectations are it will be again this year”, says Conservation Partnership Manager, Ms De-Arne Sutherland.

One project demonstrating strong collaboration and is an example of community-led conservation is the “Tieki Te Taiao o Te Takiwa”.  A collective of six marae (Hikurangi Takiwa Trust) is restoring land and waterways in communities around Whareponga, Hiruharama, Whakapaurangi and Makarika on the East Coast. 

Ms Pia Pohatu, Project Manager and Trustee says “through landowners identifying sites of significance or what sustainable land and water management means, we can support them to access technical and scientific expertise enabling us to restore habitats.”

“We are working through our whole rohe (tribal area), to identify and prioritise sites and resources that are important to the hapu and need protection.”

The CCPF application process for this year has two stages, starting with Expressions of Interest (EOI) that close on 2 April. 

Applicants need to demonstrate how their project maximises community conservation group collaboration and delivers conservation outcomes.

Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit a full application.  A decision on successful applications is expected to be made by August 2015.

Background information

• The purpose of the fund is to inspire and enable community-led conservation growth. 
• The fund was established in 2014 to provide $26 million over four years for community-led conservation projects around New Zealand.  In the first year $8.5 million was allocated across more than 100 community organisations nationwide.
• The fund is directed at practical, on-the-ground projects.  These projects will maintain and restore the diversity of our natural heritage and enable more people to participate in recreation, enjoy and learn from our historic places, and engage with and value the benefits of conservation.

Related link

Community Conservation Partnerships Fund

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