Wednesday, 19 March 2025 08:55

Fonterra gives $250,000 for wetlands repair

Written by  Staff Reporters
The grant will support community groups in restoring wetlands. The grant will support community groups in restoring wetlands.

Through its new partnership with New Zealand Landcare Trust, Fonterra has committed to funding ten $25,000 grants for wetland restoration in communities across the country.

The partnership was officially launched at Donald's farm in Whitford, Auckland last month, with Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay in attendance along with members of the NZ Landcare Trust board and representatives from Fonterra.

The $250,000 in grants over the next three years will support community groups to restore and improve wetlands.

Fonterra's group director of global external affairs, Simon Tucker, says working in partnership is key to delivering meaningful impact for communities.

"Collaborating with our partners at NZ Landcare Trust ensures this investment supports communities at a grassroots level. We're grateful to the many farmers, communities and volunteers who are passionate about caring for wetlands, preserving them for generations to come."

For almost 30 years, NZ Landcare Trust has supported farmers and catchment groups with expert guidance and free educational support, promoting sustainable practices for managing land and water resources. Through the new partnership, they will support the delivery of the grants to catchments nationwide.

NZ Landcare Trust chief executive Dr Nick Edgar says wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems, playing a vital role in supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, and flood mitigation.

"We are proud to partner with Fonterra and local catchment groups to restore these essential environmental assets through collaborative, community-led stewardship. This initiative allows us to regenerate and protect wetlands with greater efficiency and meaningful impact."

Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, earning them the nickname the 'Earth's kidneys'. The natural ecosystems filter and purify surrounding soil, improving both water and land quality. Additionally, wetlands function as sponges, absorbing excess water and significantly reduce the risk of flooding.

Regional partners and community groups can submit their expressions of interest through the NZ Landcare Trust website here.

The new partnership is made possible through the co-operative's Doing Good Together programme, which focuses on three pillars: putting good quality nutrition in the hands of those who need it most; providing care and support to keep rural communities strong; and empowering communities to protect and restore nature for future generations.

NZ Landcare Trust/Ngā Matapopore Whenua is a grassroots organisation supporting communities in beneficial land and water management practices. They partner with rural communities, catchment and landcare groups and other organisations to make a tangible difference in the future of New Zealand's waterways.

NZ Landcare Trust's work programme is funded by the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Primary Industries. They also secure and complete a series of additional projects each year.

More like this

Fonterra woos investors for consumer business

The divestment process for Fonterra's global consumer business is gaining momentum, with the co-op meeting global fund managers this week on a potential listing of the co-operative's newly formed Mainland Group.

No backing down

OPINION: Fonterra isn't backing down in its fight with Greenpeace over the labelling of its iconic Anchor Butter.

Featured

Editorial: Drought dilemma

OPINION: As of last Thursday, five regions – Taranaki, Northland, Waikato, Horizons and Marlborough-Tasman – had been declared medium-scale adverse events.

Awards to boost farm ownership goals

Two new Awards have been developed for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme that will help some farmers on their journey to farm ownership.

Fonterra gives $250,000 for wetlands repair

Through its new partnership with New Zealand Landcare Trust, Fonterra has committed to funding ten $25,000 grants for wetland restoration in communities across the country.

National

Autumn drought challenge

After a dry summer, the challenge is what comes in autumn, according to Ballance Agri Nutrients science strategy manager Warwick…

Miraka CEO steps down

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal…

Machinery & Products

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand…

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

King Island rescue

OPINION: Two Australian cheesemakers have rescued the iconic Tasmanian cheese company King Island Dairy.

Baileys vegan flavour

OPINION: World famous liqueur maker Baileys is the latest to dabble with plant-based products.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter