The Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Enhancement Fund is open for applications.

The annual funding round allows groups to apply for up to $30,000 for projects which enhance the natural or historic character of an important area in the Bay of Plenty.

The councils corporate services group manager, Brian Trot, says this year's fund targets areas of water quality, harbours and estuaries or threatened native species and their habitats.

'Let us help fund the improvements to your environment. We want to support the enthusiasm and passion people have for their region.”

Brian says by supporting community led projects the council can help to improve public access and the understanding of the region's environment as well as enhancing it.

Other council funded projects include environmental projects in Kura Kaupapa Maori, Kohanga reo and bilingual schools in the region through He Matapuna Akoranga a Hawea Vercoe – Hawea Vercoe commemoration fund.

The fund was launched last year in memory of the late Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor and former principal Hawea Vercoe and this also opens for applications on April 13.

Brian says if an individual or a community have a project in mind, they should attend one of the council's public briefing sessions to find out how they can apply for funding.

'It's also a great opportunity to see how community groups have previously benefited from the Environment Enhancement Fund.”
He says the council's under $5000 funding option is open all year round for people to apply for.

'The under $5000 fund is a good first step for many groups to get their project underway.”

Public briefing sessions on how to apply for the funds will be held on March 13, at 6 Rata Street, Mount Maunganui, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm and 5pm to 6pm.

Other sessions include one in Rotorua on March 14, 1125 Arawa Street, and March 15, 5 Quay Street, Whakatane.