Biodiversity Community Group Grant

Murihiku Southland is home to some of Aotearoa’s most treasured indigenous biodiversity. While many native ecosystems remain intact, they face ongoing threats from pests and habitat degradation. Across the region, dedicated community groups are working hard to protect and restore these natural taonga/treasures.

To support these efforts, Environment Southland is offering the Biodiversity Community Group Grant. It is designed to help local, volunteer-led conservation projects thrive, especially in priority ecosystems and ecological corridors.

Funding is available for a wide range of conservation activities, including fencing to protect native bush remnants, pest plant and animal control, and restoration planting using ecosourced native species.

Click here for the application form

Who can apply?

This grant is open to volunteer community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and rūnaka, iwi, and other indigenous groups.

Eligibility requirements

Projects must be based in Southland. Groups need to be a registered charitable trust, a constituted group with a bank account and financial records, or fiscally sponsored. A landowner agreement is required if the work is not on your own land, and a health and safety plan must be in place.

What types of projects are supported?

Eligible activities include indigenous biodiversity protection and restoration, such as fencing off native bush to prevent damage from livestock or human activity, controlling pest plants to support native vegetation, and running pest animal control programmes using bait stations or traps. Conservation materials are also supported, including purchasing ecosourced native plants, installing educational signage about local biodiversity, and providing herbicide and protective gear for volunteer weed control. Contractor support is included, which can involve engaging qualified contractors for specialist restoration work.

Funding details

Funding is available for up to $10,000 per project per year. Grants can be one-off or part of a multi-year initiative. Funding can cover up to 70% of total project costs, with the remainder sourced elsewhere.

Selection criteria

Projects will be assessed on their potential to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes, their positive impacts on ecosystems, native species, and habitats, and the level of community involvement and local engagement.

Clear planning, realistic timelines, and budgets are also important, as well as innovative approaches that could inspire other communities and strong long-term sustainability beyond the initial funding.
Additional consideration will be given to projects that involve youth in conservation education, advocacy, or leadership.