Sources of funding for projects and participation

The Ministry for the Environment manages the following funds on behalf of its Ministers.

For an overview of Ministry funds available to community groups, iwi/hapu, regional councils, unitary authorities and businesses see the Environmental Funding brochure.

Recycling in Public Places Initiative

The Recycling in Public Places Initiative is a partnership between central and local government to establish a network of easily recognisable recycling bins in high foot-traffic and key tourist locations across New Zealand.

The initiative has now closed for further funding as it is no longer a government priority.

Aquaculture Planning Fund

The next funding round will open in September 2009

The contestable fund is open for regional councils and unitary authorities to implement the development of sustainable aquaculture in their regions. This funding round is focused on gathering evidence for decision makers. It will target projects that provide information on environmental studies, economic costs and benefits and social and culture values of aquaculture development. Projects involving Maori in aquaculture development are also of interest.

Sustainable Management Fund

The 2009/10 funding round has now closed. The next funding round will open in October 2009.

The Sustainable Management Fund (SMF) provides funding to support community groups, iwi/hapu, businesses, and local government in taking practical actions that produce long-term environmental benefits, as well as encouraging pro-active partnerships and promoting community action.

Education and Advisory Services Fund

The purpose of the RMA Education and Advisory Services Fund is to increase community-based advice, educational opportunities and public information about environmental legislation, particularly the RMA.

Environment Centre Fund

A fund of $300,000 per annum is available to assist with the general costs of running an Environment Centre whose purpose is to inform, advise and engage the community on environmental issues.

Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund

A fund of $3.5 million per annum is available to assist with the remediation of contaminated sites in New Zealand which pose a risk to the environment or human health.

Environmental Legal Assistance Fund

The Fund provides not-for-profit groups with financial assistance to advocate for an environmental issue of public interest at resource management cases at the Environment Court, higher Courts, and at Boards of Enquiry constituted under the "Call in" provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991. The Fund reimburses the costs of legal counsel and expert witnesses.

An independent Advisory Panel, which meets about every 5 weeks will assess your application against the criteria set out in the Guide to Applicants and will make its recommendation to the Chief Executive's Office of the Ministry.

Last updated: 24 March 2009