A newly funded technology could help improve the Hawke's Bay environment

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced that $19 million from the Provincial Growth Fund will go to LiDAR funding. Photo / File

Better environmental outcomes could be around the corner for Hawke's Bay, with the government announcing $19 million of the Provincial Growth fund will go to a technology called LiDAR.

Minister for Regional Economic Development, Shane Jones, says LiDAR (light detection and ranging) helps sectors such as forestry, agricultural and infrastructure development.

"This data is also essential for better flood risk mapping, understanding the impacts of climate change, and improved environmental management."

Regional council chairman Rex Graham said they were excited about the potential for LiDAR in Hawke's Bay.

"We're definitely interested in the technology and think it will be really useful for Hawke's Bay."

Hawke's Bay Regional Council manager of Science Stephen Swabey says LiDAR makes it easier to measure ground surface, including under vegetation.

"This will result in higher economic productivity and better environmental outcomes for the region"

The regional council plans to use data collected from LiDAR to plan and manage tree-planting work as part of the national Billion Trees project.