Auckland Council offers two regional grants for rural landowners and catchment groups working on a private property larger than 5 hectares to deliver projects that improve water quality and freshwater ecosystems and minimise the impacts of flooding.
The Waterway Protection Fund (WPF) is an Auckland Council and Franklin Local Board grant programme. WPF supports projects that protect and enhance riparian margins and wetlands.
The Making Space for Rural Water Fund (MSWF) is a new Auckland Council grant programme (part of a wider Making Space for Water ten-year initiative) to reduce the impact of flooding on private rural land and properties downstream. MSWF supports projects that enhance the efficiency of flood plains and wetlands to absorb and hold water.
Funding for 2025/26 is available for rural landowners and catchment groups working on a private property larger than 5 hectares. The following water catchment areas are a priority for funding:
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- Papakura Stream
- Matakana River
- Āwhitu Catchment
- Ōrere River, and
- Aotea/Great Barrier Island
Before completing this application form, please read the Regional Waterway Protection Fund and Making Space for Rural Water Fund Guidelines for more information.
Important Information
- An application is ineligible if used to comply with any current or future resource consents (i.e., subdivision).
- Projects must be completed within 24 months of receipt of a signed funding agreement, and funding is reimbursed after work is complete and submission of evidence is received.
- The landowner is expected to manage the project area and be responsible for ongoing maintenance, including fencing, and pest animal and plant control.
- Please ensure a signed funding agreement is in place before any work starts.