Fifteen community groups championing biodiversity across Hawke’s Bay have received support in the second 2025 round of the Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay Environmental Enhancement Contestable Fund.

Delivered in partnership by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay, and the Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT), the fund supports community-led projects that protect and restore the region’s environment.

ECCT’s recent $60,000 contribution, combined with the Regional Council’s $50,000 investment, has allowed more groups to progress their work on the ground.

The following projects were awarded grants:

• Haumoana Tree Trust – Haumoana Tree Trust Phase 4 Peninsula Planting 
• Ahuriri Tributaries Catchment Group Trust – Bayview Community Wetland Restoration Project 
• Hawke’s Bay Wilding Pine Control Trust 
• Waingōngoro Awa Charitable Trust – Waingōngoro Awa Restoration Project 
• Predator Free Mataruahou/Napier Hill – Setting up community trapping in Sturms Gully and the Botanical Gardens 
• The Conservation Company – Stellar- Bat detection dog training 
• Porangahau Catchment Group – Te Opoko Paoa/Wanstead Swamp Restoration
• Pirimai Residents Association – Cross Country Drain Enhancement 
•  Poukawa3030 – Lake Poukawa Summer Planting Day 
•  Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society – Predator Control 
• Waiparere – Waiparere QEII covenant fence upgrade 
• The Bat Co. Lab – Echoes Around Te Mata 
• Between the Two Rivers Catchment Collective – Otamauri Native Corridors- Stage 1
• Cape Sanctuary – Moth plant Aerial Survey and Control 
•  Friends of A’Deane’s Bush Incorporated – Supporting Invasive Weed Control in A’Deane’s Bush