Horizons freshwater and partnerships manager Logan Brown says eligibility information and application forms are available on Horizons' grants and sponsorship page at horizons.govt.nz
"We're really pleased to be able to have funding available for community groups in the catchment as their projects complement the work council and other groups have under way in the area.
"Collectively our efforts are contributing to improvements in water quality. The local community has the opportunity to speed up these interventions and be a part of positive change," he says.
One of the successful projects from last year's funding round was Ruapehu College.
"Through their science curriculum, the students from Years 9-13 have been collecting data from four sites on the Makarunui Stream as it flows through native bush, and beef and horticulture land on the outskirts of Ohakune. This project will help contribute to the understanding of the wider environmental pressures on the Whangaehu River catchment from land use.
"The vision for science at Ruapehu College is that students will be environmentally aware problem-solvers that have the confidence to be engaged citizens that connect with their local environment.
"The college started this process through engaging in their local waterways."
Mr Brown says applications will be assessed based on environmental benefits, feasibility, community involvement and long-term benefits to the catchment. There is also likely to be a strong preference towards "on the ground" work.
"In addition to funding, the grants provide an opportunity for groups to tap into the support and technical advice available at Horizons. We can't wait to see what ideas are brought to the table through this new funding round."
Applications for the Whangaehu Catchment community grants close at 4pm on Friday, August 7. The amount granted depends on the merits of the applications and there is a total funding pool of $33,000 available.
