Council to support ten environmental projects in Kāpiti

Ten local projects to enhance the Kāpiti Coast’s natural environment and protect our heritage will receive a boost in funding from Council this year. 

“Each year Council sets aside funding to support environmental projects led by land owners and community members across the District,” says Paraparaumu District Councillor and Chair of the Grants Allocation Committee, Mark Benton.

“This year’s Fund, of just over $30,000, will be split among a wide variety of projects, which include efforts to restore our native forests and wetlands, control pests and clean up our waterways.

“We’re also getting in behind the development of a new heritage trail in Paekākāriki, which will provide a bit of a walk down memory lane for local history buffs and commemorate the community’s important role in the development of rail travel in New Zealand.”

Mr Benton says the Fund was established in 2001 and has been used to get hundreds of small environmental projects off the ground, which together have helped to preserve and even restore our environment.

“This year we received ten applications, and we were able to provide at least partial funding to all of them.”

“With its native bush, wetlands and waterways, Kāpiti has a rich and varied environment that we’re immensely proud of. The Council is pleased to be helping communities protect what’s important to them as we work together towards a thriving environment.”

About the grants

The Heritage Fund was established in 2001 with the intention of assisting and actively encouraging landowners and members of the Kāpiti Coast community to manage, protect, and enhance natural features throughout the district, including ecological, geological, historical, and cultural sites. The grants are made annually and require the development of Heritage Management Plans for the Preservation, Management, or Riparian Management categories. Council offers free advice to projects preparing heritage management plans.