STDC Natural Environments Fund Opening soon

The South Taranaki District Council’s Natural Environments Fund opens on Friday 29 August 2025.

Council’s Environment and Sustainability Manager, Cindy Koen, says the Fund’s purpose is to promote and assist with the protection, restoration and enhancement of areas of significant biodiversity, indigenous vegetation and/or significant habitats of indigenous fauna on private land in the District.

“Many of the remaining indigenous species and ecosystems of our District are threatened. The Natural Environments Fund encourages private landowners to work alongside Council and other agencies to help protect and enhance areas of significant indigenous biodiversity remaining on private land in our District,” says Cindy.

Individuals, trusts, incorporated societies and other groups are eligible to apply, however funded project sites must either already have permanent legal protection status or be prepared to seek legal protection status within twelve months of receiving funding.

Natural Environments Fund applications are expected to include non-Council co-funding contributions to the project. Cindy says that depending on the project type, applicants and/or co-funders must contribute between 50-66% to the total project cost, with the Council funding the balance.

“An applicant’s contribution towards the total project costs does not need to be financial and can include volunteer time or in-kind support,” she says.

If you have any queries about the Natural Environments Fund email envirosus@stdc.govt.nz or call 0800 111 323 and ask for the Environment and Sustainability Team.

Applications close at 5pm, Sunday 19 October 2025.