10/06/2026
Leading from the Land – Tairāwhiti is pleased to announce the successful recipients of Round Three of its Learning & Action Project Fund, with three community-led environmental projects receiving a combined investment of $32,400.
In addition, two projects originally deferred from Round Two while further information was sought have now also been approved for funding, further supporting environmental restoration, learning, and community capability across Tairāwhiti.
Round 3
Women’s Native Tree Project Trust – Project Grant
Funding will support the trial of root trainer systems and alternative potting mixes to improve native plant propagation techniques within the Women's Native Tree Project nursery.
The project aims to increase production of healthy native plants within a limited nursery footprint while strengthening nursery sustainability and supporting community restoration outcomes through workshops, koha, and plant sales. The trial will also provide valuable learning to improve future propagation practices across the region.
Mata-Huiarua Kaitiaki Ngahere -Te Puna Ora o Huiarua
This project supports local learning via the restoration of approximately 4.5 hectares of native ngahere at Huiarua through possum control, environmental monitoring, and community-led restoration activities. The project combines practical ngahere restoration with wānanga and hands-on learning opportunities for whānau and rangatahi.
The intended outcomes are to improve ngahere health and biodiversity through sustained pest control, strengthen community connection to whenua, build long-term kaitiakitanga skills, and create ongoing opportunities for environmental learning and wellbeing across the community.
Mangapārae Papakāinga Trust
This project supports a whānau-led environmental restoration and learning initiative in the Mangatū catchment. The project brings together local kaitiaki, landowners, researchers, and community members to deliver wānanga, environmental monitoring, and practical restoration activities that strengthen catchment resilience, biodiversity, and local capability through both mātauranga Māori and scientific approaches.
The intended outcome of this project is to strengthen catchment resilience and community capability through environmental learning, restoration activities, and collaborative catchment management. The project aims to build local knowledge, support long-term biodiversity and waterway health, and encourage ongoing community-led environmental action.
Round 2
Makorori Environmental Protection Society – Project Grant
Support to learn the effectiveness of different trapping approaches in coastal and farm environments, as well as pest behaviours and feasibility of extending the network. Learning and sharing propagation knowledge of growing at risk and critically endangered native plants. Project management costs will help with coordination, communication, exploring educational opportunities for schools, and strategic planning.
Eastern Whio – Engagement Grant
Funding will support the Eastern Whio Link Strategic Hui at Matawai Marae, bringing volunteers and community members together to celebrate achievements, share progress, and plan future restoration activities.
The event will strengthen collaboration, support shared decision-making, and help shape the next chapter of the Eastern Whio Link project through practical planning and long-term community engagement.
