The remaining native habitats are often in poor condition, overrun with weeds and predators and no longer able to provide a home for our native birds, insects and lizards.
Much of our indigenous biodiversity is not found anywhere else in the world and we have a responsibility to look after what is left. There is a growing understanding of the importance of looking after our biodiversity and better understanding of the functions the natural world performs for humans.
Horizons takes an active role in managing biodiversity in our region. We work closely with landowners and the Department of Conservation to identify the remaining significant bush and wetland habitats and help to protect them.
Through our funding programmes and advice, we help with fencing off bush remnants and wetlands and keeping those areas free from weed pests and predators.
We also work on large-scale collaborative projects that provide a home to native taonga such as kiwi and whio (blue duck). Examples of this include Pūkaha in the Wairarapa, Kia Whārite in the headwaters of the Whanganui River catchment, and Te Āpiti/Manawatū Gorge, which lies between Tararua and the Manawatū.
Horizons has helped fund a range of community biodiversity projects over the past five to 10 years. However, with a limited funding pool it meant we could not easily help fund new projects. This year, we are increasing the funding available and changing how we fund these projects to ensure the money is going to where it is most needed and to ensure we are getting the best biodiversity outcomes.
Our vision for this programme is to empower communities to reconnect with nature. We want to support projects that work to restore and protect indigenous biodiversity, including those that support regeneration and continuation of mātauranga Māori. This new contestable Kanorau Koiora Taketake – Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant is open until June 4.
If you are involved in a project looking after your local patch of New Zealand, or you have a great biodiversity project but just need funding to get it going, check out horizons.govt.nz for more information, or have a chat with the biodiversity team at Horizons to find out how they can help.
+ Rachel Keedwell is chairwoman of Horizons Regional Council.