Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is encouraging applications to the new Community Conservation Partnerships Fund from Tauranga City community led conservation groups.

The new fund enables communities to undertake work in partnership with the Department of Conservation.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

'The point of this fund is to help community-led conservation projects for natural heritage and recreation throughout New Zealand,” says Simon.

'This fund supports DOC's new partnerships model which places greater emphasis on working with others to achieve more for conservation.”

He says it's widely recognised that involving the public in conservation is beneficial for all those involved, and also achieves a great deal more for conservation in the long-term.

'I would strongly encourage all those who are eligible for funding to apply.”

Applications are open from March 31 to May 1, with successful applicants announced in June.