Date:  06 March 2015

The Northland Conservation Board is urging community conservation groups in Northland to apply for a slice of funding from the 2015 Community Conservation Partnerships Fund.

Puketi Forest Trust volunteers planting natives around the Puketi Forest hut and campground

Conservation Minister Maggie Barry announced the fund open for submissions on 23 February 2015. It was established in 2014 to provide $26 million over four years for community-led conservation projects around New Zealand.

Mita Harris, Northland Conservation Board Chair says, "Time is of the essence. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest to the Department of Conservation by Thursday 2 April 2015. If you reach the second stage, you will then be invited to submit a full application."

Mr Harris says, "The communities of Northland have already accomplished significant successes in biodiversity enhancement and restoration. With adequate funding, we can help ensure that these projects are sustainable long-term. Northland is also facing acute biodiversity threats such as the deadly kauri dieback disease (PTA) that need combating urgently."

"Northland Conservation Board members will be available to provide advice and support with funding applications where possible. The fund supports on-the-ground conservation work with $8.5 million granted to conservation projects nationwide in last year's funding round," says Mr Harris.

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