ENM's Environmental Initiatives Fund

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ENM's Environmental Initiatives Fund

This provides grants for community projects that lead to better outcomes for our environment within the Manawatū River catchment

21/04/2026

We supported a circular economy by funding a recycling initiative delivered by Infinite Recycling, enabling free e waste collection services and the responsible processing of 3.39 tonnes of material. By removing the transport cost barrier, more businesses and organisations were able to take part in responsible e waste disposal, resulting in a significant increase in material diverted from landfill. The project encouraged improved environmental practices and reduced the risk of improper disposal. It also contributed to carbon emission reductions by avoiding the need for new raw material extraction and manufacturing. The recovery and reuse of valuable materials supported more sustainable resource use and reduced the environmental footprint of electronic consumption.

The collected equipment included electronic items such as desktops, laptops, monitors, cables, and accessories. A large portion of this equipment was reused or refurbished, extending the life of devices and reducing demand for new manufacturing. Remaining materials were dismantled for parts recovery or recycled appropriately, while hazardous components such as batteries were safely separated and processed to prevent environmental contamination. As part of the project’s reuse outcomes, some recovered equipment was donated to MTAC Academy in the Cook Islands. This extended the life of devices while supporting education and community development, demonstrating the social and environmental value of prioritising reuse over disposal.

The project was highly successful in achieving its objectives. The primary goal of increasing the collection and responsible processing of e waste was met through regular pickups and the introduction of collection bins for customers. This made it easier for businesses and organisations to dispose of electronic waste correctly and led to a steady increase in the volume of material collected. Operational efficiency also improved through streamlined collection and sorting processes, enabling better material separation and higher recovery rates. The project strengthened client relationships and increased awareness of e waste recycling options within the community.

-Small Grant

16/04/2026

We were able to support a circular economy by funding a project what saves used sewing machines and other accessories from ending up in landfill. In 2025, 140 sewing machines were donated to the project. Many of these machines had been stored in garages or cupboards for more than 10 years. Approximately 10 percent were beyond repair. These machines were sold to Macaulay Scrap Metals, allowing many of the parts to be salvaged and reused.

Donors often express delight that their much loved machines may help new New Zealanders. Many go on to become enthusiastic advocates, spreading the word very effectively.
The group has developed a strong word of mouth network, supported by a team of occasional volunteers who consistently say yes to requests. They have also built a strong relationship with their main client, the Red Cross Resettlement team led by Tina Larsen, and enjoy the respect and support of local radio and newspapers, along with some national exposure on RNZ and TVNZ One.

The objective of raising public awareness about the option of recycling old sewing machines has exceeded expectations. The group has been able to keep pace with demand for sewing machines, while also providing fabric and notions to each recipient. With funding received from the Environmental Initiative, additional machines have been saved through the purchase of complex and costly parts, and supplies of notions have been topped up as needed.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/383264/sewing-machine-plea-prompts-dozens-of-donations-for-refugees

-Small Grant

09/04/2026

We were able to support community food sovereignty by funding Whanau O Tu Ara Ake to build a raised garden that produces fresh fruit and vegetables to share. They were also supported by staff who provided valuable guidance on purchasing quality materials that should last at least 20 years.

-Small Grant

09/03/2026

Need funding for your environmental project?
Learn how to apply for the Large Grant available to community organisations working to strengthen our environment.

Organisations can apply for up to $15,000 with applications open until 15 March.

Eligible projects must support at least one of these focus areas:
• Improving food resilience, security, or sovereignty
• Protecting biodiversity or freshwater quality
• Reducing waste and supporting a circular economy
• Taking action on climate change

📍 Projects must be located within the Manawatū River catchment — from source to sea, including Tararua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.
Want to understand the steps and see if your project is a good fit?

Get your large grant quick! Closing this Sunday
Learn more and apply at:https://www.enm.org.nz/about/enm-org-nz-about-resources-environmental-grants-fund

22/02/2026

🌏 Take Climate Action Today 🌱We can help with funding!

A fantastic youth climate event brought together 39 rangatahi from nine different schools for a day of learning about local climate initiatives and funding options, providing a powerful reminder that youth voices matter in shaping a sustainable future. With four expert speakers and a well-designed programme, the event served to inspire fresh ideas for the up-and-coming generation of environmental advocates and leaders. Students worked together to develop proposals for local government and schools, focusing on practical steps to reduce emissions and build resilience. Teachers attending the event highlighted its value as an extension of the curriculum, and noted its role in addressing climate anxiety and equipping students with the tools and confidence to advocate for change.

Help reduce climate change impacts and build resilience for the future through:
✅ Harnessing new technologies
✅ Reducing energy use & switching to renewables
✅ Supporting efficient transport — cycling, buses & more
✅ Securing infrastructure like water tanks for communities

📍 Projects must be within the Manawatū River catchment — from the source to the sea, including Tararua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.

💰 Large Grants ($1,000–$15,000) – Open 1 Jan to 15 March 2026
👉 Apply Now

Let’s grow stronger, more connected communities — together. 🌿

16/02/2026

🥕 Growing kai? Sharing food? We can help with funding
If your project supports community wellbeing through food resilience, food security, or food sovereignty, we’d love to support you!

Here are some great examples of projects we can fund:
🌱 Starting or expanding a community garden
👩‍🍳 Gardening or cooking programmes in schools
♻️ Community composting initiatives
🥕 Food and resource sharing projects

📍 Projects must be within the Manawatū River catchment — from the source to the sea, including Tararua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.

💰 Large Grants ($1,000–$15,000) – Open 1 Jan to 15 March 2026
👉 Apply Now!

Let’s grow stronger, more connected communities — together. 🌿

09/02/2026

♻️ Got a project that reduces waste? We can help with funding!

Are you composting with your community, upcycling materials, or repairing items to give them a second life?

For the last 3 years we have funded Green Bikes have been helping carry children to school and adults to work and hope through the streets of city. In just the past year, they have rescued 163 bikes from landfill, with some being repaired, restored, or used as parts, while 20 have been donated to people in need. It’s a beautiful picture of the circular economy in motion.

We’re offering funding for projects that help build a circular economy
📍 Projects must be within the Manawatū River catchment — from the source to the sea, including Tararua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.

💰 Large Grants ($1,000–$15,000) – Open 1 Jan to 15 March 2026
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 For organisations
👉 Apply Now!

Let’s grow a better future, together 🌱

01/02/2026

🌿 We have funding for your project to help protect and enhance biodiversity, and freshwater quality for your community.

Last year, in a quiet corner of the Manawatū catchment, a local group is restoring a former wetland area. They’ve installed two constructed wetlands along with associated sediment traps and planted over 1,500 native plants (with support from Opiki School). This work has already led to a visible transformation: the wetlands are filtering drain water and removing sediment. These changes are making a noticeable difference to Lynches Stream, with birds returning, water running clearer, and the mauri of the land slowly healing—a testament to what happens when people work with nature, not against it. This project will also serve as a demonstration site for farmers across the region, showcasing the real impact wetlands can have on local streams.

If you’ve got an initiative that enhance the mauri of the Manawatū River catchment, we’d love to hear from you. Examples of initiatives that align with this priority are:
🦜Restoring native habitats through planting and wetland regeneration
🦎 Controlling pests and invasive species to protect native wildlife
💧 Improving waterway health by reducing pollution and monitoring water quality
🪶Supporting native species through monitoring and conservation efforts

📍 Projects must be within the Manawatū River catchment — from the source to the sea, including Tararua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, and Horowhenua.

💰 Large Grants ($1,000–$15,000) – Open 1 Jan to 15 March 2026
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 For organisations
Apply now!

Let’s grow a better future, together 🌱

22/01/2026

We were able to help fund The Bike Workshop with a small grant. It's all about supporting circular economy practises. The Bike Workshop is the place to go for all your bike needs! bike repairs, secondhand bike parts or bike and you can donate your old bikes and parts there too.

270 Grey St, Palmerston North Palmerston North
Gregory Bassett: 022 432 6819 - call to make a time

08/01/2026

It's great that we're able to help fund great initiatives like Massey Student Wildlife and Conservation Club's trapping!

Address

145 Cuba Street
Palmerston North
4410

Website

https://www.enm.org.nz/about/enm-org-nz-about-resources-environmental-grants-fund

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