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Aquaculture Planning Fund

Applications are invited for the first funding round for 2008/09. The fund round closes at 12:00, 30 May 2008. Funding decisions are expected to be made by end of June 2008.

The contestable Aquaculture Planning Fund is available to assist regional councils and unitary authorities to provide for new sustainable aquaculture initiatives in their area.

This funding is intended for regional councils and unitary authorities to assist with information gathering, consultation and planning work. It will target projects such as identifying areas suitable for Aquaculture Marine Area (AMA) development, supporting environmental studies, and involving Māori in aquaculture development.

If you wish to be added to a contact list or for further process information please contact Bruce Croucher (04) 439 7618, bruce.croucher@mfe.govt.nz.

For technical information please contact Lisa Hack (09) 985 4824 or Brent Limmer (04) 439 7566.

Purpose

To realise the economic and other benefits of sustainable aquaculture to New Zealand through providing support and incentives to regional councils and unitary authorities to make provision for aquaculture in their regions.

Aim of the Fund

By 2012 the Aquaculture Chief Executives’ Steering Group aims to allocate the fund to achieve the following:

Development of new aquaculture space in five regions of New Zealand.
Enhanced use of existing space in three regions of New Zealand.
Leverage
a. Significant financial or other commitment from the stakeholders in those regions.
b. Development of practices which are nationally applicable.

This fund is intended to assist with a proportion of the costs associated with initial information gathering, consultation and planning work, including but not limited to:

supporting a constraints mapping process to help identify areas suitable for AMA development
supporting environmental studies to underpin aquaculture planning
supporting the assessment of social, cultural and economic impacts
provision of other independent advice
involving Māori in aquaculture development including obtaining information to support councils in the identification of settlement space
assisting with the costs associated with running the consultation process.

Who can apply?

The fund will be available to regional councils and unitary authorities only. A test of the ability of the region to itself fund the work (eg, with reference to rating base, assets and liabilities) may be applied as an indicator of the appropriateness of allocating central government funding.

To make an application please read the application guideline to the fund and send a completed copy of the application form to:

Bruce Croucher
Projects and Partnerships
Ministry for the Environment
Environment House
23 Kate Sheppard Place
PO Box 10-362
Wellington 6143
Tel (04) 439 7400
Email bruce.croucher@mfe.govt.nz

Allocation

The fund will be allocated on a contestable basis through a six-monthly funding round. The funding available annually will be set by the CE Steering Committee. This level will be indicative only and the committee reserves the right to alter it according to the number and standard of applications received.

Funding will be available for a portion of the cost of:

supporting a constraints mapping process to help identify areas not suitable for AMA development
supporting environmental studies to underpin aquaculture planning
supporting the assessment of social and economic impacts.
provision of other independent advice
involving Māori in aquaculture development
assisting with the costs associated with running the consultation process; and/or
other projects which advance aquaculture planning.

Preference will be given to a smaller number of more substantial projects, rather than a large number of small ones.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria (weighted at the discretion of the steering committee):

1. Project outcomes and their fit with the purpose of the fund:

Does the project fit with the purpose of the fund?
Is there a clear prospect of new aquaculture development in the region?
Is there a clear prospect of benefit to the region from aquaculture development?

2. Partnerships:

Is there a demonstrated partnership in place between the Council and other stakeholders, including other local authorities, Iwi/Hapū and the Aquaculture Industry?
Will the project further develop and enhance that partnership?

3. Commitment:

Has the council demonstrated a commitment to aquaculture through previous funding contributions and work or through its forward programme.

4. Cultural:

Will the project help deliver on obligations regarding the Māori aquaculture settlement?
Will the project actively facilitate Māori participation in aquaculture?

5. Leverage:

What is the financial and/or in-kind contribution from the council and other stakeholders?
Will the project result in the development of high-value, new aquaculture sites or enhanced use of existing sites?
Is there a clear plan in place for sharing and disseminating learning from the project?

Contact us

If you wish to be added to a contact list or for further process information please contact Bruce Croucher, (04) 439 7618, bruce.croucher@mfe.govt.nz.

For technical advice please contact Lisa Hack (09) 985 4824 lisa.hack@mfe.govt.nz.