Government commits $36 million to projects to enhance waterways
9 Jan, 2021 04:31 AM
3 minutes to read
The initiative is part of the Jobs for Nature package that commits a billion dollars to the environment. Photo / 123rf
The initiative is part of the Jobs for Nature package that commits a billion dollars to the environment. Photo / 123rf
RNZ
More than 400 jobs will be created by a $36 million funding round to clean up and protect waterways, says Environment Minister David Parker.
Nineteen projects are being launched during the second quarter of this year.
Parker said the initiative is part of the Jobs for Nature package that commits a billion dollars to improving the environment.
The projects to be funded were the creations of iwi, community groups and charities trying to restore damaged and polluted waterways. The largest project is in Northland, where the Ko Waitangi Te Awa Trust is working to restore the Waitangi River, which flows with total funding of $10.5m, including $2.5m from the Freshwater Improvement Fund.
ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff
Environment minister David Parker has announced 19 waterways restoration projects will get $36 million of government funding over the next five years. Another North Island Te Ika a Maui project to get funding is the Maungatautari To Pirongia Ecological Corridor Project, which will fund biodiversity planting between the predator-proof fences mountain Maungatautari, and the Pirongia Forest Park.