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This is the 5th Funding Strategy to be published by the Trust since
the inception of the Trust and its sole Trustee the 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.
In this 5th funding round the Authority provides greater direction and guidance for applicants
seeking funding to help clean-up the river.
Among the areas the Authority is maintaining or giving increased priority to are:
• Improving connectivity between different parts of the ecosystem (both the Waipa and
Waikato rivers, feeder streams and lowland lakes). Physical / chemical conditions are reliant
on connectivity, and many native species require access to areas they cannot currently reach
• 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 $6 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 141 projects funded by the Trust through the Authority with committed
funds approaching $22 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.
From the Co-chairs
Tukoroirangi Morgan
Hon John Luxton
Co-chair
Co-chair
Restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River
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