Rural Aucklanders with a stream to fence, a wetland to restore or an erosion hotspot to tackle are being encouraged to get their applications in, as Auckland Council opens a new round of funding with an additional $280,000 boost from local boards.
Applications are now open for the Waterway Protection Fund and Making Space for Rural Water Fund, giving eligible landowners access to support for practical projects that improve water quality, reduce erosion and strengthen the health of rural landscapes.
The impact of the fund is already being seen across rural Auckland. Over the past decade, the Waterway Protection Fund has supported 314 projects, helping landowners install more than 127 kilometres of fencing, plant more than 682,000 native plants and protect over 3.5 million square metres of waterways, wetlands and surrounding land.
This season's funding round has been boosted by contributions from Franklin Local Board, Rodney Local Board and Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board, demonstrating how local and regional investment can work together to support environmental action where it's needed most.
For landowners on Aotea / Great Barrier, the funding boost is even greater. A contribution of $30,000 from Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board means eligible projects can receive up to 85 per cent co-funding this season.
Leanna Birch, Manager of Auckland Council's Wai Ora Rural Partnerships team, says the funding is designed to support landowners to make improvements that work for both their property and the environment.
"Rural landowners know their land better than anyone. They know where water gathers after heavy rain, where erosion is starting to bite and where stock access is creating challenges," says Birch.
"This funding helps turn those observations into practical projects, whether that's fencing a stream, restoring a wetland, planting native species or improving fish passage. The results benefit farms, waterways and the wider community."
One of those success stories comes from Pukeoware near Waiuku, where Lisa Woodward and her father Marshall have steadily transformed a waterway restoration idea into a long-term environmental project.
Since beginning work in 2019, the family has fenced and planted along waterways and wetlands that eventually flow into the Waitangi Stream and Manukau Harbour. Today, their restoration area covers more than 6,500 square metres.
The environmental dividends have been hard to miss.
"The increase in vegetation has resulted in more birdlife, with tūī flying between the areas," says Woodward. "We also now have our own little bat colony in an area of native bush."
Eligible projects include stream and wetland fencing, native planting, wetland and floodplain restoration, erosion-control works, alternative stock-water systems and fish-passage improvements.
Landowners only need to submit one application. Auckland Council's Rural Partnerships team will assess each proposal and allocate successful projects to the most suitable funding stream available.
Applications close on 29 September 2026.
For more information, funding criteria and application guidance, visit Auckland Council's Waterway Protection Fund webpage or contact the Rural Partnerships team at ruralwaterways@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.