More than $1.5 million worth of funding will be made available to private landowners
and community groups for nature protection on private land.
A recent survey conducted by the Ministry for the Environment and the Department
of Conservation of past applicants, and of agencies such as New Zealand Landcare
Trust and the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, shows there is a large degree
of support for the funds.
"Most respondents said that the most beneficial aspect of the funds was
that the government is demonstrating a commitment to assisting landowners. Many
said that their projects would not have been possible, without the financial
assistance," Marian Hobbs said.
In this round, $1,012,000 is available for projects from the Biodiversity Condition
Fund, and $515,000, from the Biodiversity Advice Fund.
Applications close on 20 April 2005 at 5pm. Since the last round, a toll free
number – 0800 86 2020 – has been established, to make it easier
for land owners and rural communities to communicate with the fund management
staff in Wellington .
