The Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group is set to receive a $48,000 under the Government's Community Conservation Partnerships Fund.

Announced on Wednesday, the group will use the funds to fight harmful pests like rats, stoats and possums in the Coromandel Peninsula's Whenuakite forests.

The Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group will receive $48,000 under the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund will be used towards. Photo: File

More specifically, the $48k will used by the Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group to fund an operational manager who will coordinate volunteers that service the trapping lines in the area.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson is pleased with the result saying pests and other unwanted visitors are a scourge on the natural environment.

'Community groups like the Whenuakiwi Trust and the Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group here in the Coromandel are key to the future of conservation,” says Scott. 'It's wonderful this funding will help them fight the good fight against pests and help sustain Kiwi populations.

'Nationwide, pests cost our economy more than $3 billion a year. I have no doubt this Government funding will have a positive impact in the Coromandel's local environment.

On Wednesday, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry announced a total of 31 community groups would receive a share of $2.13 million through Community Conservation Partnerships Fund.

The funded projects range from plans to eradicate possums and other predators from peninsulas and islands to smaller local schemes focused on a few hectares.

Maggie says community groups like the Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group are vital to the future of conservation in New Zealand.

'The ambitious goals of these community groups are a testament to the dedication of thousands of New Zealanders who give their time, effort and energy to the protection of our natural heritage.

'By supporting and enabling them through the CCPF and technical expertise, DOC has been able to increase the reach of its pest control and help to secure a future for New Zealand's native wildlife,” says Maggie.

For more information and details of the groups receiving funding visit the Department of Conservation's website at: www.doc.govt.nz/ccpf