This is the 4th Funding Strategy to be published by the Waikato River
Clean-up Trust since the inception of the Trust and its sole Trustee
the Waikato River Authority.
Each year the Trust reviews its Funding Strategy prior to the
funding rounds. The funding Strategy demonstrates the Trust’s and
Authority’s determination to restore and protect the health and well-
being of the Waikato River.
For this 4th funding round it is timely for the Waikato River Authority to provide greater direction
and guidance for applicants seeking funding to help clean-up the river.
Among the areas the Authority is giving increased priority to are:
• Water Quality: A greater emphasis on the protection and restoration of wetlands and a
continuing focus on those projects that deliver a direct and tangible improvement in river
water quality.
• Collaboration: Support for projects that see a broad range of groups working together
to address specific issues impacting the river or issues focused at a specific part of the
catchment (e.g. a specific lake).
• Lower Waikato and Waipa Rivers: Projects that impact positively and directly on the Waipa
River and lower Waikato River, which are the areas that are most degraded. Specifically
a focus is given to those projects that support the implementation of the 20 year Waipa
Catchment Plan.
• Restoration Plan: The development of a medium term (5 - 15 year) restoration plan for the
Waikato River Catchment.
This year will see up to $7 million made available for clean-up projects. However we again stress
the need for co-funding to be part of successful applications. The funds available to the Trust and
the Authority will not be sufficient on their own to see the vision for a restored and protected
Waikato River achieved.
To date there have been 108 projects funded by the Trust through the Waikato River Authority
with committed funds approaching $16 million. We look forward to receiving and approving more
high quality projects this year that will help us achieve the vision for the Waikato River.
Teena koutou, teenaa koutou, teenaa koutou katoa.
Tukoroirangi Morgan
Hon John Luxton
Co-chair
Co-chair
From the Co-chairs
Restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River
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