NZERN has received a series of grants from the Biodiversity Advice Fund to provide financial support that will help members hold field day events. Applications to the NZERN Field Days Fund for support are now invited. These events should provide landowners with information they need to conserve biodiversity on their land.

What can the field day cover?

The general focus is on anything that informs or encourages owners of private land to protect, maintain, and restore areas of native bush and improve stream health.

Some examples of practical, hands-on demonstrations are:

• Weed control
• Planting technique, design, and maintenance methods
• Pest control
• Collecting seeds
• Running a community/school native plant nursery
• Fencing
• Species reintroductions
• Monitoring
• Protection options

Demonstrations can also include use of the tools provided by NZERN website www.bush.org.nz

Local action

Local groups can best determine what is needed. Thus, an Auckland field day may focus on seed collecting and propagation, while a Southland field day may focus on sharing restoration experiences.

The field days can be organised:

• With other agencies
• By NZERN branches/national office
• By member organisations and groups

Approved expenses

NZERN's contribution toward field day expenses can include the cost of travel and accommodation for speakers, hire of halls or tents, printing and postage, toll calls, publicity, catering, bus hire, and the cost of stalls at A&P shows. Other expenses may be approved. Please inquire.

Excluded expenses

• Wages or consultant fees are excluded
• Events that have already been held.

Amount funded

Receipts for expenses will be reimbursed per field day up to

• $300 for member groups
• $1000 for a NZERN branch to hold one region wide event each year for each of their regions
• A grant of $100 per every event to the local branch fund to cover general overhead costs

Prior approval

Applicants will fill in the official form. Groups must be financial members of NZERN when applying and remain so when claiming reimbursement. Each local group may be able to hold two field days each year.

Application form

The application form must be sent to the NZERN National Office at PO Box 9000, Christchurch. It will then be passed onto the local NZERN branch for approval. The whole process should take about 2 weeks.

Letter of approval

A letter of approval will be sent to the postal address given on the application form.

Report required

The applicant will be fully reimbursed for all agreed expenses up to $300. Receipts must be collected and sent to the NZERN National Office. The report form included with the letter of approval must be completed in full. Photos, newspaper clippings, or leaflets describing the event should also be attached to the report.

Payment

Expenses will be reimbursed during the second Tuesday of the month. A crossed cheque will be forwarded to the postal address given on the application form.

Encouraged to apply

If you feel your group can organise such an event we look forward to receiving your application.