Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund
The Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund helps landowners, rūnanga, and community groups deliver practical projects that protect and restore the unique biodiversity of Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rakaihautū Banks Peninsula. It supports initiatives that manage pests, restore habitats, and build long-term ecological resilience, all aligned with regional biodiversity priorities. Find out what the fund supports, check the eligibility criteria, and apply online.
What funding is available and who can apply
Available funding for projects
You can apply for a minimum of $30,000 per year, with a maximum of $100,000 per application per year.
We may not be able to fund the full amount that you have applied for.
Who can apply
This fund is open to landowners, rūnanga, and community groups undertaking biodiversity protection or enhancement on public or private land in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rakaihautū Banks Peninsula.
- Your group must be a registered legal entity, such as an incorporated society or charitable trust.
- You need to have a project that enhances indigenous biodiversity in either freshwater, coastal or land-based ecosystems.
- They may involve direct action, education/raising awareness, or supporting an organisation that undertakes these actions.
What we fund
Projects that:
- Protect and restore native species and habitats
- Control or manage animal and plant pests in high-value ecological areas
- Support long-term ecological resilience
- Deliver outcomes aligned with regional biodiversity priorities
Examples:
- Fencing and planting to protect native bush remnants
- Controlling animal or plant pests in high-value ecological areas
- Monitoring and maintaining biodiversity gains
Before you apply for funding
These are the key criteria you need to meet to be eligible for funding:
- Your group must be a registered legal entity, such as an incorporated society or charitable trust
- Projects must align with one or more of the following biodiversity measures:
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- Increasing the extent and values of natural wetlands
- Increasing the area of indigenous vegetation cover in both urban and non-urban environments
- Increasing the area of indigenous habitat on private land under legal protection by covenant
- Increasing the extent and natural character of braided rivers (parts of the Waimakariri River are within the targeted rate boundary)
- Increasing the health and wellbeing of coastal environments (by contributing to habitat protection)
- Increasing the health and wellbeing of waterbodies and freshwater ecosystems (by contributing to habitat protection)
- Seeking funding between $30,000 and $100,000 per project
- Be able to supply a minimum of 30% of the project budget; this may come from funding or equivalent in-kind contributions, such as volunteer hours
- All of the projects must be located within the Christchurch City Council ratable boundary. View the boundary on Christchurch City Council’s website
- Funded work must be completed by 30 June 2027
Successful applicants: View last year's successful applicants.
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