Funding available for biodiversity projects [NZ]

Friday 3 Jul 2026

 
Applications are now open for Gisborne District Council's 2027 Natural Heritage Fund, providing funding for projects that protect, restore and enhance indigenous biodiversity across Tairāwhiti. The fund supports practical conservation projects on private land and whenua Māori.

Council Senior Regional Biodiversity Advisor Melanie Cheetham says the fund is about supporting local people protecting and restoring the region's unique natural environment. "Tairāwhiti is home to unique native plants, wildlife and ecosystems, and many people across our region are already doing incredible work to protect and restore them," says Ms Cheetham.

"The Natural Heritage Fund helps bring restoration projects to life, supporting landowners and community groups to protect and restore biodiversity across Tairāwhiti. It's an investment in the long-term health of our environment and the biodiversity that makes our region unique."

Since the funding started in 2013, the Natural Heritage Fund has invested more than $800,000 in biodiversity projects across Tairāwhiti. In 2025 alone, the fund supported 16 projects, including:
  • Habitat enhancement at Waikereru Eco-Sanctuary
  • Wetland restoration at Ngātapa
  • Indigenous planting at Otoko
  • A network of self-resetting possum traps in Muriwai
  • Stock exclusion fencing around an ecologically significant area of bush at Peihiri
"One of the strengths of the Natural Heritage Fund is the diversity of projects it supports," says Ms Cheetham. "Every project tells a different story, but they all share the same goal - protecting and enhancing the unique biodiversity that makes Tairāwhiti special."

"We're proud to support the people investing their time and energy into caring for our natural environment and we encourage anyone with a biodiversity project to consider applying."

Applications are open until 20 August 2026 for projects planned to begin in 2027.

Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 per project.At least 50 percent of the total project cost must be funded from another source. For more information, eligibility criteria and the application form, visit Council's website.

Source & image credit: Gisborne District Council



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