Deadline: 25-Jan-2026
The Restoring Ecological and Natural Heritage (RENH) Fund presents a valuable opportunity for community groups, Māori organisations, and individuals to contribute to conservation efforts across the Auckland region.
The fund prioritises projects that protect and restore regionally significant ecosystems, species, and habitats, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Initiatives that strengthen volunteer participation, build the capacity of local groups, and foster strategic partnerships are highly encouraged, as community involvement is a core component of the program.
Financial support through RENH ranges from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $90,000 per year, although full funding is competitive and not guaranteed. Co-funding is encouraged, with applicants generally expected to contribute at least 50% of the project cost, including volunteer hours valued at the Living Wage rate of $28.95 per hour. For grants over $1,000, individuals or unincorporated groups must either work with an umbrella organisation or receive payments as reimbursements.
Eligible applicants include community organisations, iwi, hapū, marae, educational institutions, non-profit organisations, and individuals engaged in regionally significant conservation work. Projects must have the necessary permissions to carry out conservation initiatives on private, Māori, or public land. Ineligible applicants include political parties, commercial entities, government agencies, Auckland Council-controlled organisations, or any groups undertaking work as part of resource consent or environmental mitigation requirements.
Another key priority is meaningful Māori engagement. Successful projects are expected to create opportunities for mana whenua involvement, incorporate Te Ao Māori values and mātauranga into project design, and outline clear strategies for collaboration or partnership with Māori communities. Projects that contribute to regional conservation priorities at a landscape or catchment scale and engage broad audiences are also favoured, ensuring that efforts have a lasting and wide-reaching impact.
Overall, the RENH Fund provides a platform for community-driven conservation projects that combine ecological restoration, community engagement, and meaningful Māori participation. By supporting locally led initiatives, the fund helps protect Auckland’s natural heritage while fostering stronger connections between people and the environment.
For more information, visit Auckland Council.
