WINNING PROJECTS FOR 2026
We had a record number of applicants this year, and our trustees have chosen to fund nine projects. Read about them below.
Applications for the 2027 funding round will open in February/March 2027.
Te Whakaoranga o te Whenua me te Tangata - Petane Marae Revitalisation Project
Following the relocation of Petane Marae due to Cyclone Gabrielle, its Hapū Ngāti Whakaari and Ngāti Matepū are undertaking a holistic revitalisation project that reconnects their people back to whenua, tikanga, and pūrakau within their takiwā.
Save the Dotterels, Hawke's Bay
Support to protect and enhance dotterel species on Hawke's Bay beaches.
Estimating the benefits and costs to farmers of excluding wild deer from their properties
A survey of 12 landowners across Hawke’s Bay – from farmers to iwi to forestry companies – to estimate the losses they have faced to their pastures, crops, trees and biodiversity as a result of wild/feral deer browsing.
ECOED - Save our Kaweka Kiwi project
Support for ECOED's pest trapping programme in the Kaweka Forest Park.
Whakatipu Kaitiaki (Raising Future Kaitiaki) programme
This programme of wānanga (lessons), named Whakatipu Kaitiaki, is run by the Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust (MTT) in partnership with local hapū.
Sounds of the Awa
Sounds of the Awa is a creative environmental education project that connects people with local rivers through ecology, kaitiakitanga, storytelling, and waiata.
Kākābeak/Ngutukākā propagation
This project aims to increase the propagation of the endangered Kākābeak/Ngutukākā through the development of a regional urban seed bank to encourage urban dwellers to plant Ngutukākā in their backyards.
Te Wai Mauri Nursery - Winter warmer beds
Project to isolate a portion of an existing tunnel house and turn it into a heated table for raising seeds during winter.
PREVIOUS WINNING PROJECTS
Mohi Bush Rodent Control (2024-25)
Project aims to reduce rodent numbers to aid the breeding success of key species in the area especially Toutouwai and Tititipounamu.
Predator Free Taradale - Maggie's Way (2025)
A group of locals have volunteered to manage a new trap line along Maggie’s Way near Kent Terrace in Taradale after being inspired by other successful urban trapping programmes around NZ..
House of Science - School Resource Kits (2024-25)
House of Science develops bilingual, hands on science resource kits and loans them to primary and intermediate schools nationwide.
Predator Free Poporangi (2024-25)
Regenerating the health and diversity of the stream environment by the removal/suppression of unwanted predators/pest species.
Hawke's Bay Wilding Pine Control Trust (2024-25)
Improving the environment in the Kaweka Range by reducing wilding pine infestation.
Whakakī Native Tree Nursery Project (2025)
A new project to help the Whakakī Nursery keep their green house in use to ensure the continued positive impacts it has provided to the environment.
The Pa Ikanui, ko ngā rangatira o te moana (2025)
This project is a new kaupapa Māori, hapu-driven initiative, focused on strengthening connection between mana moana, mana whenua and Ikanui throughout Te-Matau-a-Maui, Hawke’s Bay.