Here are some websites we have found useful, we hope you do too. If you know of any relevant sources you think could be featured here please email us with details and we will investigate. The more we can spread good, useful information about our environment, the better we are able to assist people.
Financial Help for Environmental Projects
There are a number of organisations that provide funding to individuals and community groups for conservation and environmental projects, such as:
Franklin Local Board - The Franklin Local Board now administers much of the environmental funding which was previously managed by Auckland Council. Some funding is available to private landowners retrospectively (i.e. as reimbursement for pre-approved expenses after the project has been completed). Environmental projects which include large areas of land, and /or more than one property (such as fencing and revegetation of a local catchment) are seen as being very desirable and it may be that Awhitu Landcare can guide funding applications in this instance. Just contact us to find out. Remember that well qualified Council staff (biodiversity / biosecurity) are also available to help landowners with practical support and advice.
DOC’s Nature Heritage Fund is available to help protect areas which have a high conservation value. This may be suitable for landowners who have an SEA (Significant Ecological Area) identified on their property during the Auckland Council Unitary Plan process.
Foundation North (previously ASB Community Trust) funds many community initiatives, including environmental work.
James Sharon (JS) Watson Conservation Trust administered by Forest and Bird, provides financial assistance for conservation projects.
Project Crimson - This Trust works with organisations, communities and individuals and assists with funding and trees for local projects.
Queen Elizabeth II National Trust helps private landowners protect special natural and cultural features on their land with open space covenants.
Weedbusters - Small Scale Initiatives Funding to help battle against weeds.
WWF Habitat Protection Fund in conjunction with Tindall Foundation, funds community conservation groups doing hands-on ecological restoration.
Tanes Tree Trust vision is to see NZ landowners successfully planting and sustainably managing indigenous trees for multiple uses, believing that a healthy and profitable indigenous forestry industry is key to large-scale planting for biodiversity, restoration and legacy purposes.
Focus on Farming
NZ Landcare Trust is an independent, non government organisation established in 1996. In recent times NZ landowners have been encouraged to improve their land management practice. They have planted trees, protected waterways, controlled pests and fostered native flora and fauna, in an effort to maintain a productive, sustainable environment. This site contains much useful information in this respect.
What’s that Bird?
New Zealand Birds Online is a searchable encyclopaedia of New Zealand birds. Explore the site to read expert-written texts, listen to sound files of bird calls, and browse more than 6,500 photographs.
What’s that Fish?
Finding fish in your local stream and wondering what they are? NIWA has an excellent freshwater native fish guide.
Water for Life
Natural Protection for a Peninsula
Help with Weeds
Help with Recycling
Nature on your Mobile
Project Noah is available as a free app for the iPhone or Android devices. The apps let people take pictures, mark their locations and submit them, and if users don’t know what plant or animal they’ve photographed, they can ask the Project Noah community to help them.
Escape to the Outdoors
This Department of Conservation (DOC) site has information about the protection of our natural and historic heritage, how and where you can enjoy public conservation places and how to get involved in conservation.
In your Neighbourhood
Nature Space is a website for groups, individuals and landowners undertaking ecological restoration in New Zealand.
Facts at your Fingertips
Why is it so important to protect our trees? Here is a terrific site, developed by the US Forestry Service, which has many of the answers. Great information for kids and adults alike and we thank Ms Martin’s class for suggesting it! :-)
Landcare Research is a science-based, Crown Owned Institute whose purpose is to drive innovation in the management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources.
Our Environment is an interactive, online service providing access to some of Landcare Research´s environmental data, providing free online maps and reports illustrating land use capability, vegetation, surface geology, erosion, ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, grassland; and protected land.
Keep our Kauri Alive
Kauri dieback is specific to NZ kauri and can kill trees of all ages. Right now, there is nothing to counteract this disease. Unfortunately it is already on Awhitu Peninsula. If you are near kauri, please take all measures possible to prevent spreading the disease (through water/soil transfer). Visit this site to see how.