Twelve community projects across New Zealand will receive a share of $2 million to carry out wilding pine control, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor announced as part of Biosecurity Week.
“Wilding pines are a serious problem that threaten many of the unique landscapes that New Zealanders value. Community groups and trusts on the ground can play a vital role in preventing the spread and reducing the damage caused by these invasive plants,” Damien O’Connor said.
“Local people are passionate about controlling wilding pines and we want to empower them.”
Community groups and trusts had the opportunity to apply for the Community Partnership Projects Fund to support wilding pine control in areas that complement the national programme’s current control operations.
34 applications from ten regions across New Zealand were received, with proposals totalling over $6 million.
“The quality of the applications was impressive and the strong response to the call for applications clearly shows New Zealanders’ understanding of the issue, and passion within communities to control wilding pines before they overtake treasured landscapes and culturally significant sites.
“The successful applications include projects on Aotea Great Barrier Island, Banks Peninsula, and areas around Lake Taupō, to prevent further spread of wilding pines and in some cases support native plant regeneration.”
“Biosecurity Week is about raising awareness and highlighting ways New Zealanders can work together to protect both our precious natural flora and the land we use to grow vital food and fibre. Funding these wilding pine projects aligns strongly with that vision.”
“The National Wilding Conifer Control programme’s success to date has been centred on partnership, long-term relationships and collaborations nationally, regionally and locally – that’s what it takes to tackle a problem like this,” Damien O’Connor said.
ENDS
Information on the community partnership projects that will receive funding. More details will be available once individual funding agreements are in place.
Region/District
Project name
Group/Trust
Northland
Te Orewai Te Horo Trust Wilding pine control
Te Orewai Te Horo Trust
Auckland
Aotea Great Barrier Wilding pines project
Motairehe Marae
Bay of Plenty
Ruawāhia/Tarawera Wilding Pine Control Project
Ruawāhia 2B Trust
Bay of Plenty
Wilding conifer control in the Kaharoa Conservation Area
Kaharoa Kokako Trust
Waikato
Tauhara Maunga
Tongariro Natural History Society Incorporated
Waikato
Waihaha Catchment and Lake Taupō Shore Reserves
Tongariro Natural History Society Incorporated
Waikato
Orakei Korako, Red Hill and Tutukau Forest
Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa Runanga Trust
Marlborough
Awatere & The Ned/ Te Hau
South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust
Tasman
Wilding Pines Control on Takaka Hill
Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust
Canterbury
Banks Peninsula Wilding Pine Control
Banks Peninsula Wilding Pine Advisory Group
Otago
Kakanui Mountains
Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group Inc.
Otago
Maungatua/Mill Creek
Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group Inc.
Relevant links
Strategy document – https://www.wildingconifers.org.nz/national-programme/
Website: www.wildingpines.nz
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