River clean-up funding

The Waikato River Authority’s seventh funding round has closed with $12.5 million sought for river clean-up projects.

It is the authority’s strongest funding round to date. A total of 65 applications have been received for projects throughout the 11-thousand square kilometre catchment for the Waikato and Waipa rivers.

Authority co-chair Tukoroirangi Morgan said the value and calibre of funding applications this year is unprecedented.

‘‘We have always been concerned at the capacity of the wider community to take on an increasing load of freshwater clean-up and restoration projects, but it is fairly clear from this year’s applications that there is a ground swell of determination from people who want to see a better outcome for our rivers and lakes,’’ he said.

Morgan said there is a good number of applications from iwi groups this year, from larger trusts through to local hapu and marae.

The authority has this year allocated up to $6 million for clean-up projects.

Deputy Crown Co-Chair, and Chair of the Authority’s Investment Committee, Traci Houpapa, says there is now a formidable task ahead to evaluate and select the successful projects.

‘‘We know this year will see some fantastic new restoration initiatives funded, and it is pleasing to see projects that deliver significant cash co-funding, sourced from within and outside the region, which will ensure maximum leverage of the Authority’s funding dollar,’’ she said.

Among the areas the authority has signalled it will be giving increased priority to this year include those with partnership projects, iwi engagement, restoration strategy and water quality.