Apply for Environmental Education Transport Fund (New Zealand)

The Environmental Education Transport Fund provides financial support to schools and early childhood education (ECE) centres in the Horizons Region, New Zealand to cover transport costs for educational field trips to selected environmental and conservation sites. The fund helps students access outdoor learning experiences related to biodiversity, ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental education.

Eligible schools and ECE centres can receive up to $500 (excluding GST) per year for transport expenses, including bus hire, petrol costs, or reimbursement for school-owned transport. Only one application per school is accepted per financial year.

Overview of the Environmental Education Transport Fund

The Environmental Education Transport Fund supports educational institutions by reducing transportation barriers for environmental learning activities.

The fund is designed to help students participate in field trips that connect classroom learning with real-world environmental experiences.

The programme supports visits to selected regional sites that provide opportunities to learn about:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Native ecosystems
• Wildlife protection
• Environmental sustainability
• Regional natural heritage

Purpose of the Fund

The main purpose of the Environmental Education Transport Fund is to encourage schools and ECE centres to participate in environmental education activities.

The funding helps institutions:

• Access outdoor learning opportunities
• Explore important regional environmental sites
• Increase student understanding of nature and conservation
• Support hands-on environmental education

Eligible Field Trip Locations

Funding can support educational trips to selected iconic environmental sites in the Horizons Region.

Eligible destinations include:

Manawatū Estuary

Students can learn about:

• Coastal ecosystems
• Wetland environments
• Bird habitats
• Conservation practices

Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge

Educational activities may focus on:

• Native forests
• Landscape conservation
• Indigenous biodiversity
• Environmental restoration

Tōtara Reserve Regional Park

Students can explore:

• Native plant species
• Forest ecosystems
• Regional conservation efforts

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Learning opportunities include:

• Native wildlife protection
• Endangered species conservation
• Ecological restoration

Otorohanga Kiwi House

Students can learn about:

• Kiwi conservation
• Native bird protection
• Wildlife recovery programmes

Bushy Park Tarapuruhi

Field trips may cover:

• Native forest conservation
• Predator control
• Biodiversity protection

Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre

Students can learn about:

• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Animal care
• Conservation education

Funding Amount and Eligible Expenses

Eligible schools and ECE centres can receive:

• Up to $500 per year
• Funding amount excludes GST

The funding can be used for approved transport-related expenses.

Eligible Transport Costs

Funding may support:

• Bus transport costs
• Petrol expenses for school van transport
• Travel costs for educational field trips

School-Owned Transport Reimbursement

If a school uses its own vehicle, reimbursement is available at:

• Up to 55 cents per kilometre

The reimbursement applies to approved travel related to eligible educational trips.

Who Is Eligible for the Environmental Education Transport Fund?

The fund is open to educational institutions located in the Horizons Region.

Eligible applicants include:

• Schools
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres

Applicants must:

• Be located within the Horizons Region
• Plan an educational field trip to an eligible site
• Use funding for approved transport expenses

Application Limit

Each school or ECE centre can submit:

• Only one application per financial year

Applicants should plan their field trips carefully before applying.

Why the Environmental Education Transport Fund Matters

Environmental education helps students develop awareness and responsibility toward nature and sustainability.

The fund supports:

• Outdoor learning experiences
• Student engagement with conservation
• Understanding of local ecosystems
• Connection between education and environmental protection

By helping students visit conservation sites, the programme encourages future generations to value and protect natural environments.

How to Apply for the Environmental Education Transport Fund

Schools and ECE centres should follow these steps when applying.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should check:

• Their location within the Horizons Region
• Eligibility as a school or ECE centre
• Planned visit to an approved environmental site

Step 2: Select an Educational Field Trip Location

Applicants should choose one of the supported sites, such as:

• Manawatū Estuary
• Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge
• Tōtara Reserve Regional Park
• Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
• Otorohanga Kiwi House
• Bushy Park Tarapuruhi
• Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre

Step 3: Calculate Transport Costs

Applicants should estimate:

• Bus transport expenses
• Petrol costs
• Distance travelled if using school-owned transport

Step 4: Submit Application

Schools and ECE centres must complete and submit the application according to fund requirements.

Applicants should provide:

• Institution details
• Field trip information
• Transport cost estimates
• Funding request details

Step 5: Use Funding for Approved Purposes

Approved funding must be used only for eligible transport expenses related to environmental education trips.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applying Without Confirming Location Eligibility

Applicants should ensure their school or ECE centre is located within the Horizons Region.

Using Funds for Non-Transport Expenses

The fund only supports transport costs and cannot be used for unrelated field trip expenses.

Planning Trips to Non-Eligible Sites

Applicants should select destinations included in the approved list.

Submitting Multiple Applications

Only one application per school per financial year is accepted.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Clearly explaining the educational purpose of the trip
• Selecting a relevant environmental learning site
• Providing accurate transport cost estimates
• Planning applications before the field trip date
• Ensuring all requested costs meet funding rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Environmental Education Transport Fund?

The Environmental Education Transport Fund provides transport funding support to schools and ECE centres in the Horizons Region for environmental education field trips.

Who can apply for this funding?

Schools and early childhood education centres located in the Horizons Region can apply.

How much funding is available?

Eligible applicants can receive up to $500 excluding GST per year.

What expenses can the funding cover?

Funding can cover bus transport costs, petrol expenses for school vans, and reimbursement for school-owned transport.

How is school-owned transport reimbursed?

Schools using their own vehicles can receive reimbursement of up to 55 cents per kilometre.

How many applications can a school submit?

Only one application per school per financial year is accepted.

Which field trip locations are supported?

Supported locations include Manawatū Estuary, Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge, Tōtara Reserve Regional Park, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, Otorohanga Kiwi House, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, and Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre.

Conclusion

The Environmental Education Transport Fund helps schools and ECE centres in the Horizons Region provide students with meaningful environmental learning experiences. By covering transport costs for visits to conservation and natural heritage sites, the fund supports outdoor education, biodiversity awareness, and long-term environmental responsibility among young learners.