Ministry for the Environment

How to apply to the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund

This page provides information on how to apply to the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund. It includes links to the guide, application form, and reporting templates for applicants.

For information about the fund and who is eligible to apply see the About the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund web page.

Key dates

Several funding rounds are held each year. Applications are assessed by an independent advisory panel against a set criteria.

The Environmental Legal Assistance Fund’s annual budget has been fully allocated for the 2016/17 financial year. Further funding rounds and completed application closing dates will be provided subject the availability of funding in the 2017/18 financial year.  

Guide, application form, and reporting templates for applicants

Information guide

If you are considering applying for funding from the ELA Fund you will need to read the Guide to Applicants. The Guide will help you determine whether your group is eligible for funding and help you answer the questions in the ELA Fund Application Form.

Application form

Applications must be made using this application form.

Please note the application form was updated in August 2014.

Deed of funding template

Successful applicants enter into a deed of funding with the Ministry to pay the costs (up to specified amounts) for the specified legal counsel and expert witnesses. The deed of funding is prepared by the Ministry using the template below.

Confirmation of work undertaken form

All invoices sent to the Ministry for payment must be accompanied by the ‘Confirmation of work undertaken form’.

Update on proceedings reporting form

An ‘Update on proceedings reporting form’ must be completed and sent to the Ministry by 1 June each year until a decision has been made or settlement reached.

Final report form

The 'Final report form' must be completed and returned to the Ministry within four weeks of receiving the final decision of the Environment Court or board of inquiry.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the ELA Fund, or queries about whether the resource management proceedings you are participating in may be eligible for ELA funding, please contact us.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their applications with us at an early stage.

Freephone: 0800 499 700
Phone: +64 4 439 7400
Fax: +64 4 439 7700
Email: ela.fund@mfe.govt.nz

Street address

The ELA Fund
Ministry for the Environment
Environment House
23 Kate Sheppard Place,
Thorndon
Wellington
New Zealand

Postal address

The ELA Fund
Ministry for the Environment
PO Box 10362
Wellington 6143
New Zealand

Reviewed:
24/02/17