Government grant a further boost for Waiwhakareke

A $171,000 grant from the Environment Ministry will see more than 40,000 new seedlings planted at Hamilton’s Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.

The 60-hectare park on Hamilton’s western outskirts is a major ecological restoration project involving land owner Hamilton City Council, Waikato University’s Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research, Wintec, Hamilton-based environmental group Tui 2000, Environmental Research Institute, Waikato Regional Council and Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust.

Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager Sally Sheedy says the funding application was led by Warren Stace of Tui 2000, and the financial injection will cover winter plantings over the next three years: $10,000 for 2012 winter plantings then $80,500 for 2013 and 2014 winter plantings.

“Warren’s work with our staff to secure this funding demonstrates the partnership approach which has been so vital to the success and ongoing development of the Waiwhakareke project,” Miss Sheedy says.
Professor Bruce Clarkson of Waikato University’s Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research says the grant is another major boost for a nationally significant project.

“The funding is most welcome: it keeps the momentum of the ecosystem reconstruction going, and is testament to the overall impact and quality of the project -  as is the recent recognition for Waiwhakareke as a finalist in the national Green Ribbon Awards,” Professor Clarkson says.