Funding boosts communities working for nature

Published: 3 July 2026

Delivered in partnership by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay and the Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT), the fund supports community-led projects that protect, restore and enhance the region’s environment. This first round allocates grants of between $1000 and $3000.

Regional Council Chair Sophie Siers says the grants are an important boost for smaller or early-stage projects. “These projects are great examples of the collaboration that occurs between communities and organisations for the benefit of the environment. They’re crucial for the future of Hawke’s Bay’s land, water, and indigenous flora and fauna.”

The level of interest reflects the region’s strong commitment to biodiversity, adds Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay General Manager Debbie Monahan. “Community groups can make a significant impact with this funding. This was another oversubscribed funding round and we were pleased to support applications with high biodiversity value, particularly projects that engage and educate local communities.”

Eastern & Central Community Trust Chief Executive David Clapperton says working with other organisations to help community groups makes a difference to whether they can turn their great ideas into reality.

“It’s wonderful to see the variety of initiatives supported through this second year of funding, expanding on the great work begun by last year’s recipients, enabling us to support environmental wins for Hawke’s Bay.”

More information about a second, larger funding round, opening in October, will be available soon at www.biodiversity.org

The full list of March/April 2026 fund recipients and projects, below:

• Karamū River Catchment Collective - Mangateretere Wetland, pest control

• Save the Dotterels Hawke's Bay - Napier Zones

• Te Awahōhonu Forest Trust - Awahōhonu Whio

• From Pine to Native Rewilding Project

• Lorax Farming Ltd, Marlow Hill - Smith Block Natives, Upper Maharakeke Stream Natives

• Hawkes Bay Enviroschools and Predator Free Napier Hill/Predator Free Taradale - Introducing more schools to trapping at schools

• Tainui Reserve Care Group - Introduced Predator Control Initiative

• Maharakeke Catchment Group - Biodiversity Trapping Trial

 • Spray Release of Native Species - Field Trial

• Kahotea Wetland

• EIT - Mohi Bush Education & Rodent Control Project

• Forest & Bird Central Hawke’s Bay - Otaia/Tukituki Scenic Reserve (Lindsay Bush)

Pictured, Some of the participants at a recent Karamū River Catchment Collective-led planting day held at its Waipuna wetland restoration project site. The weed control and the plants were jointly funded by Regional Council and the Collective, a Contestable Fund recipient.

Back to Home