Potential Catchment Funders

Fund Administrator Advisory Panel Purpose of Fund Applicability
Sustainable Farming Fund Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry An advisory committee independent of MAF will assess the full proposals and make recommendations to the Director-General of MAF … support projects that will contribute to improving the financial and environmental performance of the land-based productive sectors. The Fund aims to help the land based sectors solve problems and take up opportunities to overcome barriers to economic, social and environmental viability. ‘Communities of interest’ applicant groups (i.e. people drawn together by a shared problem and/or opportunity in the sustainable use of resources).
Comment: The Fund focuses on projects that are practical and show value for money. The maximum grant payable will normally not exceed $200,000 (GST inclusive) per project per year (i.e., $600,000 over three years).
Sustainable Management
Fund		 Ministry for the Environment Funding recomms. are made internally and final decisions at the discretion of MfE Chief Executive. …support the community, industry, iwi and local government in practically focused action that produces long-term environmental benefit. Applications accepted from individual community groups and community groups that are supported by 'umbrella' organisations. Chief Executive may consider exceptional projects that need urgent funding.
Comment: One topic areas is freshwater management initiatives. Action based, not research.
Biodiversity
Advice Fund

 

 Department of Conservation

 

 ? … supports the provision of information and advice to land managers to assist them in managing indigenous biodiversity. Methods of providing information and advice could include field days, expert advice, wananga, publications (including electronic material) training, workshops and seminars. The primary focus is on personal liaison with private land owners, either one-on-one or in groups. It will fund projects that inspire landholders or groups to improve the condition of indigenous biodiversity (outside of public conservation lands).
Comment: $60,000 maximum for a single project maximum project term of three years. The advisory services may be one-off or ongoing.
Terrestrial and Freshwater Biodiversity Information
System (TFBIS)

 

 Department of Conservation

 

 ? TFBIS supports the conservation of indigenous biodiversity, by increasing awareness of and access to fundamental data and information about terrestrial and freshwater biota and biodiversity. The Programme reflects Government's commitment to achieving the goals of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (NZBS).  
Comment: TFBIS programme is focussed on achievement of national interest goals for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity conservation, as defined in the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, conservation legislation, and species and ecosystem recovery plans.
The Cross Departmental Research Pool (CDRP)

 

 MoRST and FRST.

 

 Indep Chair and reps from MoRST, FRST, Health RC, Stats and SPEAR (if req.). MoRST minister final decision.

 

 CDRP supports policy-related research in government departments.

 

 Govt departments are able to bid for funding (transferred from Vote RS&T to their Vote) to carry out research of critical cross portfolio interest.
Comment: 2 key objectives are: cross-departmental research to support the advancement of Government’s strategic policy priorities; and to catalyse new relationships and capabilities within govt. $1.2million in 06/07 fund.
Habitat Protection Fund World Wide Fund for Nature WWF NZ To encourage and promote the conservation of NZ's natural environment Funding is provided for local habitat protection groups working to protect areas of high conservation significance in their community
Comment: There are three funding rounds each year: 1 February, June, October. Funding of between $2,000 and $20,000 will be considered
The Marsden
Fund		 Royal Society of New Zealand Applications are assessed by panels of experts from CRI and Univs according to science disciplines. The fund’s objectives are to enhance the research knowledge base in New Zealand, and contribute to the global advancement of knowledge and to broaden and deepen the research skill base in New Zealand and to undertake research that is investigator driven. Eligibility is unrestricted provided that the research proposed is either to be carried out in New Zealand or, if its nature demands that it be carried out elsewhere, by New Zealand-based researchers
Comment: In 2006/2007, the Marsden Fund has $38.2 million available to support qualifying research in any field.
Health Funds Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) www.hrc.govt.nz is responsible for the management of the Government's investment in public good health research. The Research Portfolio Strategies outline the key national issues and research priorities in the nine research portfolios. Biological Systems and Technologies and Communicable Diseases are the only ones likely to have links to freshwater. Research would have to have a demonstrable public health benefit.
Economic Development Funds NZTE has funds in its regional partnership programme for "communities of interest" working together for sustainable regional economic growth. The key is cooperation between a region's stakeholders and government. The project should be assisting to implement Economic growth strategies and can be applied cross regionally or nationally.
University
Funding		 Funding for university staff - Internal only. The Minister of Economic Development has a discretionary fund called Regional Industry Development Fund.

Contact for Enquiries

Fund Administrator
Sustainable Farming Fund
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington

Tel: 0800 100 087
Fax: 04 894 0741
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