NZ kiwifruit sector on alert for mysterious Italian disease
New Zealand's kiwifruit industry is on alert following reports of a mystery disease that is sweeping through Italian orchards.
The Upper Coromandel Landcare Association (UCLA) is campaigning to draw attention to recent changes to Waikato Regional Council's small-scale community initiatives fund, which is part of the council's natural heritage programme.
The council's funding policy now includes one-off grants for individuals, in addition to organised community groups. Clarification of funding policy reveals that grants are available for work on uncovenanted, as well as covenanted properties.
The regional council fund supports purchase of materials such as traps and bait stations. Grants are capped at $5000 per application, of which up to $1000 may be for contracted services.
UCLA spokeperson Reihana Robinson, who advocated as representative on WRC's Coromandel catchment committee for the changes to the council's funding policy, says the funding option for individuals on uncovenanted land is a big step forward for protecting vast additional areas of bush on the peninsula.
"Many Coromandel residents have been working independently, off their own bat and in their own time and at their own expense, to protect and enhance our ecosystems and natural environment. These conservationists deserve the same financial support from council that is afforded to groups and incorporated societies," Robinson said.
"As for extending grants to work on uncovenanted properties, most stoats and rats I've met don't stop to check the LIM report on a bush block before killing a nestling. All our bush heritage merits the same protection and support."
Applications are now being accepted by WRC until March 21. The application form is downloadable from the regional council website or can be requested from Dave Byers at WRC in Hamilton.
