Funds to fence off waterways

Farmers and landowners keen to fence off and plant waterways to improve water quality and prevent flooding can apply for Auckland Council funding until the end of next month.

The Regional Waterway Protection Fund (RWPF) offers regional grants for rural landowners and community groups that work on private property larger than five hectares.

The RWPF runs as a 50-50 collaborative model, with landowners contributing half the project costs, either through cash or in-kind labour such as fencing and planting, while council provides funding, technical guidance and restoration plans.

Now in its 10th year, the fund has two main strategies:
• Fencing to keep livestock out of waterways to reduce effluent contamination, bank erosion and sediment loss.
• Native planting to stabilise banks, filter runoff and improve habitats for native species.

The fund can also contribute to installing alternative water supplies for stock if necessary.
While anyone eligible can apply, the 2025/26 fund is focusing on five river and catchment areas, including the Matakana River in Rodney.

One local property that has already benefited from the RWPF is Jake Herron’s farm high in the hills near Matakana. He joined forces with local water catchment group Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FOAM) and got funding to fence off and plant a large gully and wetland area with more than 550 metres of fencing and 13,500 native plants.

FOAM chair John Collins said the ongoing project had been challenging, but was already reaping benefits.

“Fencing and planting in the steeper areas of the catchment not only improves biodiversity but makes a big difference to erosion, with significant downstream benefits through reduced sediment runoff,” he said. “We really appreciated the RWPF’s support to achieve what we have.”

Rodney Local Board chair Brent Bailey said the project was a shining example of what could be achieved when a community came together with a shared vision for the environment.

“Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the commitment of local landowners like Jake Herron, and support from the RWPF, we’ve taken a big step forward in protecting our waterways and restoring biodiversity in the Matakana catchment,” he said.

Funding applications are evaluated on how much each project will enhance water quality and freshwater ecosystems, reduce flooding impacts and protect rural streams by reducing sediment, nutrients and pollutants. They are also assessed on criteria including environmental and community benefits, feasibility and likelihood of success, and partnership with iwi.

The grant fund is open for applications from now until Sunday, July 27.

Info and applications: Visit https://shorturl.at/2fuTq