From HB’s latest biodiversity grants, to upcoming Hastings forum on Ruataniwha Dam v.2, to local newsletters to browse, to Tumu leading help for Helicopter Trust, to King’s Birthday Honours for HB achievers, to Unison’s upgrades at Camberley, here are some notable items you might have missed.
HB biodiversity grants
Seventeen local community groups have been named recipients of the first 2025 funding round from the Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay Environmental Enhancement Contestable Fund. This marks the first of two funding rounds this year, made possible through a partnership between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay, and the Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT).
Recipients are:
- Pest Free Poporangi
- HB STAMP – Moth Plant eradication
- Guardians of Tutira and Districts Incorporated – Guthrie Smith Arboretum and Education Centre Wetlands Restoration Project
- Jervoistown Forest Project – Napier Street Entrance
- Save the Dotterels, Hawke’s Bay (Napier Zones))
- Cape Sanctuary – Buffer Strengthening of the Trap Network
- Environment Conservation & Outdoor education Trust (ECOED) – Save Our Kaweka Kiwi
- Whangawehi Catchment Management Group Inc – Whangawehi stream
- Central Hawke’s Bay Forest & Bird – Otaia Bush Restoration*
- Predator Free Napier Hill / Mataruahou – Predator Free Schools
- Hartree QEII Reserve – Hartree QEII Reserve Pest Control
- Humphries Farming Limited – Motere Wetland
- Kahahakuri Catchment – CowCress weed control trial extension
- Whakaki Lake Trust – Whakakī Community Planting Day
- Okawa Trust and Between the Two Rivers Community Catchment Collective – Sixth Generation Regeneration: Okawa Wetland Ecological*
- Pōrangahau Catchment Group – Pōrangahau Estuary
- Between the Two Rivers Community Catchment Collective – Ohiwia Wetland Zone Planting Demonstration
A second funding round will open later in 2025. Fund opening dates will be available on biodiversity.org in early September with applications opening in late September. Community groups with biodiversity-focused projects are encouraged to apply.
Hastings public forum – Wise Water Use HB
Learn about the proposed Ruataniwha Dam v.2
Local newsletters to note
Tumu to the (helicopter) rescue
Family owned local business Tumu has issued a challenge to other Hawke’s Bay businesses to join them in paying part of the deposit for the region’s new rescue helicopter.
To secure the new $20 million state-of-the-art H145 Airbus, Hawke’s Bay’s Rescue Helicopter Trust has committed to paying a deposit of $3.8 million over three tranches. With the third and final tranche payment due by June 30, 2025 and the Trust’s limited capital reserves, local business support is more critical now than ever.
HBRHT Chief Executive Andy Quayle explains. “There has been no lack of encouragement from individuals or businesses who all recognise and support the rescue helicopter service. The challenge has been parties having the ability to provide larger scale financial support during a pretty tough economic time. The Trust has had to reach deep into its reserves, so having parties like Tumu Group be able to support has been amazing.
Tumu Director Brendan O’Sullivan is hoping they’re not the only business or philanthropic provider answering the call. “We all know someone or have a connection with someone who has been rescued by Hawke’s Bay’s rescue helicopter, and we really value the work they do in times of emergency and need. The work of the team is considered a highly valued service in our community,” says Brendan.
King’s Birthday Honours
Seven individuals from Hawke’s Bay honoured.
Officers of the Order of New Zealand (ONZM): John Daniel O’Sullivan of Havelock North for services to business and education; and Napier women Gail Patricia Spence, for services to language education; and Jennifer Mary Wake, for services to theatre and television.
NZ Order of Merit (MNZM): Elizabeth Helen Graham of Pukehou for services to Māori and education.
King’s Service Medal (KSM): Dr Christopher Evan Longhurst of Napier for services to survivors of abuse in care; Nicola Linda Hickey (Nicky Rawlings) of Dartmoor for services to Victim Support; and Berry Jane Rangi of Napier for services to the community, particularly Pacific people.
Unison’s Camberley Substation rebuild complete
The newly rebuilt Camberley Substation now boasts nearly four times its original capacity, enabling it to supply electricity to approximately 3,000 residential and commercial customers. This enhanced capacity ensures that Camberley can meet the increasing energy demands driven by ongoing regional development, including critical infrastructure projects such as the Hawke’s Bay Hospital upgrades, the Frimley water storage and treatment plant, and electric vehicle fast-charging stations.
Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unison’s Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience.
More information on Camberley Substation here.
