Community groups, iwi, hapū, landowners and environmental organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding to help protect and restore Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity, with a new round of grants now open through the Department of Conservation’s Community Fund.
The funding is available to projects that make a measurable difference to New Zealand’s native species, ecosystems and habitats. Successful applications can support initiatives ranging from predator control and native planting to wetland restoration, freshwater protection and projects that safeguard threatened plants and wildlife.
The Community Fund aims to empower local communities to lead conservation efforts, recognising that many of the country’s most successful biodiversity projects are driven by volunteers, iwi, hapū, trusts, schools and community organisations working together.
Projects must demonstrate clear environmental outcomes and contribute to the long-term protection or restoration of indigenous biodiversity. Partnerships between communities, mana whenua, councils and conservation groups are strongly encouraged, helping to build lasting environmental and cultural benefits.
For Māori, the funding presents opportunities to strengthen kaitiakitanga by supporting projects that restore whenua, ngahere, awa and coastal environments while protecting taonga species for future generations. Many iwi and hapū are already leading significant biodiversity initiatives that combine mātauranga Māori with conservation science to improve ecological health.
Applications are expected to be competitive, with funding prioritised for projects that can demonstrate strong planning, community involvement and measurable conservation outcomes. Successful initiatives often deliver wider benefits beyond biodiversity, including education, local employment, cultural revitalisation and increased community resilience.
The latest funding round comes as New Zealand continues efforts to reverse biodiversity loss and protect native ecosystems from invasive pests, habitat degradation and climate-related pressures. Community-led conservation has become an increasingly important part of achieving national biodiversity goals, with thousands of volunteers contributing to restoration projects across the country each year.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the funding criteria carefully and ensure their proposals clearly outline the environmental benefits, project timelines and long-term sustainability of their initiatives before submitting an application.
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