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.

Applications are now open and will close 4pm on 13 June.

Aquaculture Planning Fund

Second funding round for 2007/08 now open

A fund of $2 million available over five years is available to Regional Councils and Unitary Authorities to implement aquaculture reforms in their regions to assist with information gathering, consultation and planning work. It will target projects such as identifying areas suitable for Aquaculture Marine Area development, supporting environmental studies and involving Maori in aquaculture development.

Sustainable Management Fund

2009/10 FUNDING ROUND IS NOW OPEN

Got a great idea for an environmental project and need funding support?

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.