New regional fund supports Wairarapa Moana restoration projects

Four lucky community groups are receiving funding from Greater Wellington Regional Council to restore native plants to areas around Lake Wairarapa. The new GWRC Wairarapa Moana Catchment Community Restoration Fund was recently established to support volunteer groups who want to make a difference in their local area.

The fund offers a share of $15,000 annually to community-led projects that help enhance and protect biodiversity. The inaugural grants were made to:

- Friends of Onoke Spit - dune planting at Onoke Spit

- South Wairarapa Biodiversity Group - planting at the Onoke/Okorewa Lagoon at Lake Ferry

- Pirinoa School - propagating plants as part of their Trees for Survival programme and planting at Wairio Wetland

- Featherston Youth Group - for their planting project "Reconnecting the community and Donald's Creek to Lake Wairarapa".

Tim Porteous, GWRC Biodiversity Manager, says "GWRC recognises that there are lots of clever, motivated people out there who share our passion for the restoring the environment. We want to help these people restore their local native ecosystems because healthy ecosystems keep our waterways healthy and ultimately improve the condition of Wairarapa Moana."

A second round of applications will open in October 2016.

Volunteers are always welcome. To get involved in restoration projects contact biodiversity@gw.govt.nz or phone Toni de Lautour on 06 826 1535.

Media phone: 021 914 266