The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum and Hauraki Rail Trail trusts will each receive grants under Waikato Regional Council's Environmental Initiatives Fund.

A total of $153,500 in grants, to be distributed amongst 12 community projects designed to protect and enhance the environment, were approved by regional councillors recently.

The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum Trust is one of 12 community projects to receive grants under Waikato Regional Council's Environmental Initiatives Fund. Photo: KDP

The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum Trust will receive $25,000 which will go towards surveying current knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on kauri dieback.

While the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust will receive $17,500 for the removal of weeds which will be replaced with natives along the trail.

Chairperson Paula Southgate says the regional council received 28 funding applications, totalling $788,293 in requested funds.

'The EIF has been a great way of supporting worthwhile community initiatives aimed at enhancing our environment and supporting environment-related projects,” says Paula.

'Protecting our natural resources requires a partnership approach involving grassroots groups and individuals and we're pleased to be able to announce this latest round of funding for some very worthwhile work.”

The full list of approved grants is:

• $25,000 - Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum Trust to survey current knowledge, attitudes and behavior on kauri dieback
• $20,000 – Riverlea Environment Society for the restoration of Hammond Park
• $20,000 – Whaingaroa Environment Centre for a plastic bag free Raglan project
• $20,000 – Waikato Environment Centre for its Kaivolution programme to reduce food waste
• $17,500 – Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust for removal of weeds and replacement with natives along the trail
• $13,000 – Habitat Enhancement and Landcare Partnership (Waihi) for removal of Japanese walnut along the Ohinemuri riverbank and replacement with natives
• $11,000 – QEII National Trust for Vivian Falls weed control and infill planting
• $10,000 – Mist Preservation Society for feral pig control and protection of king ferns in Coromandel
• $7000 - Te Arawa River Trust for an Iwi in Wetland 'learning through experience” project
• $5000 – Tamahere-Mangaone Restoration Trust for a local restoration project
• $3000 – Grandview Community Garden Trust for a nga rongoa garden and gully restoration project
• $2000 – Hamilton Homeless Trust for development of a community garden.

More information about the Environmental Initiatives Fund and how to apply call Judy van Rossem or Alan Saunders on 0800 800 401, or visit: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz