Launched this year, applications are now open for the Community Climate Action Fund, which supports local projects that reduce emissions, build resilience, and empower people through education and innovation.

From solar energy and sustainable transport to emergency preparedness and local food systems, the fund is designed to foster bold ideas that helps transition the district toward a net-zero, climate-resilient future.

NPDC’s Climate Change Response Lead, Greg Stephens says the new fund is about unlocking local solutions.

“We know our communities have the ideas to addressing climate change and often they just need a bit of funding to help those become a reality, which is where we can help.”

The fund is part of Te Ringa Mohimohi Taiao – Community Environmental Funds, which also includes:

• Natural Heritage Protection Fund
• Te Korowai o Tāne – Planting Our Place Fund
• Zero Waste Fund.

Established in 2022, the Zero Waste Fund has helped 23 projects, including the Stitch Up Society, which last year received funding to tackle textile waste by teaching repair, alteration, and upcycling skills.

That grant helped purchase equipment and run regular workshops for a wide range of participants and the group is a partner for NPDC Repair Café and the Taranaki Women’s Refuge Pop-up, helping foster a culture of reuse and repair across the district.

Applications for the Climate Action and Zero Waste funds are open until 30 September, while the others are open throughout the year. Find more about all the Community Environmental Funds on our website.

Fast Facts

• Each year, NPDC’s Te Korowai o Tāne has $30,000 available to help groups with their native planting projects.
• Managed by NPDC, the Zero Waste Fund allocates up to $100,000 annually over two rounds.
• The Natural Heritage Protection Fund is for fencing to protect natural areas from stock damage.
• NPDC is working with towards an ambitious goal to Taranaki have zero waste to landfill by 2040.