Wetland Development Fund
Got a wetland or environmental project that needs a boost? We have funding to help you bring it to life.
Thriving Southland has secured support through an Environment Southland community grant to help fund wetland and environmental improvement projects across Southland.
The Wetland Development Fund supports practical projects that improve freshwater outcomes, address identified environmental issues and help build knowledge and community involvement in environmental stewardship.
Funding is available for projects of different sizes, from localised improvements to larger, catchment-led initiatives.
Applications are open now until 30 June 2028 or until funding is exhausted.
Talk to your Catchment Group Coordinator if you need help shaping your idea.
What can the fund support?
Wetland restoration and creation
Riparian planting and fencing
Sediment trap construction
Biodiversity enhancement
Projects should focus on putting the right mitigation in the right place, informed by the best available catchment science, and include a plan for ongoing maintenance.
What are the funding criteria?
Projects will be assessed against the following criteria:
1. Environmental need
Your project must address a known environmental issue, drawing on available catchment science to show that the right action is being taken in the right place.
2. Potential impact
Projects should demonstrate a meaningful environmental benefit at catchment level, particularly by improving freshwater quality. The focus is on putting the right mitigation in the right place.
3. Project size and scope
Projects seeking $10,000 or less may include activities such as riparian planting, wetland restoration or creation, sediment traps and biodiversity enhancement.
Projects seeking more than $10,000 must be part of a catchment-agreed initiative. Preference will be given to integrated plans that address multiple areas, for example multiple wetlands or sediment traps.
4. Collaboration and co-funding
Co-funding is preferred, including in-kind contributions such as digger time or other practical support.
What can’t be funded?
Projects outside Southland
Retrospective costs for work already undertaken
Resource consenting costs
Activities required by legislation or the Southland Land and Water Plan
Project costs already funded by Environment Southland
Projects led by levy bodies, commercial contractors or councils, unless they are participating in a Catchment Group project
Commercial trials or intellectual property development
How to apply
Step 1: Talk to your Catchment Group Coordinator
Discuss your project idea and how it could address an environmental issue. Your Coordinator can help you understand the criteria and shape your application.
Step 2: Complete the application form
Download the form from this page or request a copy from the Thriving Southland office. Include the information needed to explain the environmental issue, proposed work, expected outcomes, supporting science and maintenance plan.
Step 3: Submit your application
Applications can be submitted at any time while funding remains available, up to 30 June 2028.
Step 4: Wait for the assessment outcome
An independent Project Panel managed by Thriving Southland will review applications against the funding criteria. First panel review for applications will be early February 2027, with the next review scheduled for early June 2027. Thriving Southland will advise you of the outcome.
Step 5: Get started and record your progress
As part of the agreement to fund, you’ll be asked to keep a record of the work, including photos and key milestones, and provide a summary of activities, outcomes and expenditure at the end of the project.
Share the results
We’d love to showcase the environmental work happening across Southland. Successful applicants will be asked to take before, during and after photos or video where possible, keep track of milestones and learnings, and help us share their project through stories or case studies.
Ready to get started?
Talk to your Catchment Group Coordinator or contact Thriving Southland at office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz to request an application form.
Even small actions can make a big impact. Let’s work together to make Southland’s environment thrive.
Projects in action
Three wetland projects have been completed, with the remaining projects in progress. Funding is supporting practical work such as wetland planting, fencing, sediment traps, and restoration of wetland and tributary areas.
Together, these projects are helping protect and restore important wetland habitat, reduce sediment and nutrient inputs, and support water quality and biodiversity across Southland.
Thriving Southland is a community-led group with a vision to create a prosperous Southland, healthy people, healthy environment from the mountains to the sea.
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