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Whangaehu Catchment community grants awarded

Horizons Regional Council has awarded six grants to community projects which aim to improve the Whangaehu Catchment.

The Ngā Wai Ora o te Whangaehu grants programme assists community groups in accessing resources to work towards achieving the aspirations of the community in improving the health of the catchment. The funding for this programme comes from central government’s Freshwater Improvement Fund and Horizons Regional Council who administers the fund.

Horizons councillor and chair of Ngā Wai Ora o te Whangaehu Governance Group Bruce Rollinson says the quality of the applications that came through this year were impressive.

“We received eight applications, seeking a total of $103,000. From the $33,000 available I’m pleased to announce we were able to grant six projects covering different areas of the catchment, which is great,” says Cr Rollinson.

“This programme is in its second year, and the increase in and quality of applications received has been great.”

“Much of the Whangaehu Catchment covers rural landscape that doesn’t otherwise receive much attention in terms of river access.”

“This year’s funding was awarded to:

  • Ruapehu College: to purchase equipment to implement a stream monitoring plan, looking at changes as the stream moves through different land uses with technical support from Horizons’ environmental educator. This project will also involve some stream restoration.
  • Mo Te Katoa Marae: continuation of an ongoing project which has so far seen willow removal and riparian planting along the Makotuku Stream. This year’s funding will enable further riparian planting of the stream and the installation of a barrier to help stop dumping of rubbish into the Makotuku Stream.
  • Makaranui Whanau and Winiata Campsite Trust: the restoration and protection of the Taonui Stream and Tuna Reserve at Makaranui, fencing and planting is to occur at the confluence of the Taonui Stream and Mangawhero River, and restoring tuna habitat with the aim to eventually have an area that people can access the river to see the tuna.
  • Ohakune Primary School: to develop a walkway along the Miro Street Stream which runs through the middle of Ohakune, create an area for students to access the stream for monitoring purposes, and some restoration of stream habitat.
  • Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust: continuation of an ongoing project to develop and enhance the walkway and access points along the Makotuku Stream within Raetihi township.
  • Horopito Ratepayers Association: to introduce a predator trapping line along the Makotuku Stream for the protection of whio populations.

More information on the programme can be found at www.horizons.govt.nz and applications for the grants will reopen mid 2020.