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Sources of funding for projects and participation
The Ministry for the Environment manages the following funds on behalf of its Ministers.
Waste Minimisation Fund
2010/2011 funding round is open 1 December 2009 to 1 March 2010.
The Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) helps fund waste minimisation projects.
The purpose of the fund is to increase resource efficiency, increase reuse, recovery and recycling, and decrease waste to landfill. The Minister for the Environment has set criteria for the Waste Minimisation Fund. Only projects which promote or achieve waste minimisation, including the reduction of waste and the reuse, recycling and recovery of waste and diverted material will be eligible.
Aquaculture Planning Fund
The last funding round closed 23 October 2009. No further funding rounds are anticipated.
Following the introduction of new laws relating to aquaculture, the Aquaculture Planning Fund was established in 2007. The Fund was intended to assist regional councils and unitary authorities provide for the development of sustainable aquaculture in their regions. Some progress was made by councils with the support of the fund. However, the potential of the industry was hampered by the complexity of the law.
Therefore, the Government has announced plans to remove regulatory bottlenecks and allow the aquaculture industry to reach its potential, by reforming the laws that it is subject to. The creation of a business unit within the Ministry of Fisheries will recognise the importance of the industry to New Zealand’s future economic development.
In the circumstances, no further rounds under the Aquaculture Planning Fund will be held. Through the work of the business unit, the Government will continue to support councils in their role as managers of the environmental effects of aquaculture.
For more information on the current aquaculture reform, please visit the Ministry of Fisheries website:
www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Press/Govt+outlines+plans+for+aquaculture+reform.htm
Sustainable Management Fund
For updated information about the Sustainable Management Fund.
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
For updated information about the Environment Centre Fund.
Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund
A Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund of $1.78 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 Environmental Legal Assistance 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.
Funding from other Government departments
The following table lists other funding resources available from other government departments.
| Organisation | Funding resources available |
|---|---|
| Department of Conservation | DOC’s Nga Whenua Rahui fund supports conservation projects by tangata whenua groups. Enquire at kaitakawaenga@doc.govt.nz |
Department of Internal Affairs |
Information on community funding administered by the Local Government and Community Branch is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website www.dia.govt.nz or www.cdgo.govt.nz. |
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) |
EECA administer a number of funding schemes and programmes for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. For more information refer to www.eeca.govt.nz |
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
MAF’s Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) supports projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental viability of farmers, growers, foresters and their wider rural communities. SFF's 2010 funding round is now open. For more details see www.maf.govt.nz/sff |
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
The Sustainable Farming Fund - Climate Change portfolio is an initiative under the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Plan of Action. Funds are available for farmer, forester and grower led projects that advance the climate change objectives of mitigation, adaptation and/or business opportunities. For more information see http://www.maf.govt.nz/sff/apply/sffcc-description.htm |
Ministry of Culture and Heritage |
The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund is to support events which commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and promote nation building and community building. It is designed to encourage a wider spread of communities participating in Waitangi Day events. For more information see http://www.mch.govt.nz/awards/waitangi/index.html |
Ministry of Fisheries |
The Ministry of Fisheries has funding for fisheries management plans that can be accessed through its Pou Takawaenga officers. Enquire at www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Maori/Extension+Service+Team/default.html |
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) |
NZTE offers a wide range of services and programmes for businesses, from start-ups to established groups of exporters. These services include training, mentoring, funding, and business and market development assistance. For more information see www.nzte.govt.nz |
Enterprise Development Grants (Trade and Enterprise) |
The Enterprise Development Grants programme (EDG) aims to assist New Zealand businesses and entrepreneurs to gain additional skills and abilities to pursue their business development goals by building capability and supporting development initiatives. The Enterprise Development Grants programme consists of two components, a Capability Building component (EDG-CB) and a Market Development component (EDG-MD). For further information see http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/12577.aspx |
Growth Services Fund (Trade and Enterprise) |
The Growth Services Fund offers support for high growth potential firms to purchase external advice, expertise, and market development services. For further information see http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/11964.aspx |
Te Puni Kokiri |
TPK is the government’s principal adviser for Maori affairs. The website outlines Maori funding assistance from government and non-government organisations, including iwi authorities and professional associations. Enquire at www.tpk.govt.nz |
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology |
FRST invests in research, science and technology (RS&T) on behalf of the New Zealand government. For a list of the current funding available go to http://www.frst.govt.nz/funding/search |
Last updated: 26 November 2009
