Applications to the STDC Natural Environments Fund open

South Taranaki District Council’s Natural Environments Fund is now open for applications.

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 the 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.

Applications should 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 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.

More information about the fund can be found online at www.southtaranaki.com/funding or by emailing envirosus@stdc.govt.nz

Applications close at 5pm, on Friday 23 October 2026.