Right tree, right place, right purpose the new aim
Wetlands and waterways in Hawke’s Bay are set to benefit from a portion of $10m of government funding for large-scale tree planting.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Forestry Minister Shane Jones announced the investment, aimed at providing jobs in communities and improving the environment.
The funding, from the One Billion Trees fund, will aim to ensure the right tree is planted in the right place for the right purpose.
New, more flexible funding criteria for applications will help up to 10 catchment groups plant landscapes at a whole-of-catchment scale, enabling them to achieve the greatest environmental outcomes.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council group manager integrated catchment management, Iain Maxwell, said the funding is “great news” for the region.
“Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is looking at what the details and criteria are, and what the opportunities could be for the region,” he said. “We are already working with individual landowners and supporting them seeking funding from the One Billion Trees fund alongside our erosion control scheme.”
Catchment groups will also be able to apply for funding for associated costs, such as land preparation, labour and pest control.
“They are a practical example of how this government is listening to, and working with, people to support them in their desire to make environmental and freshwater improvements,” JOnes said.
Revised funding criteria have been expanded to include suitable plants, such as grasses and shrubs, and planting of areas of less than 1ha, to support planting along waterways and in wetlands.
The Ministry of Primary Industries is also working with a wide range of catchment groups to support their work to lift freshwater quality and farming practice.
O’Connor said his goal was to reach up to 2200 farmers across the country over the next three years.
“Catchment groups provide wonderful opportunities for farmers to support and learn from each other,” he said.
“They also provide an avenue for collaborative, grassroots action to resolve local issues, including improving sustainability and improving water quality.”