New regional leadership group unlocks Jobs for Nature funding

Kotahitanga ki te Uru

Mike Meehan, the independent Chair of the regional leadership group, said that standing Kotahitanga ki te Uru (KKTU) up, and getting the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the parties, was key in unlocking $13 million of funding for the region from Jobs for Nature.

The Glacier Country South Westland Quick Start business /employment support package has been pivotal in keeping people in their home towns and protecting these communities. However the Alliance, comprising the two West Coast iwi, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the West Coast Regional Council, Department of Conservation and Development West Coast, see other opportunities out there.

“There is a lot of funding available through the Government’s Jobs for Nature funding package,” said Mr Meehan.

“Each of the Alliance members plays a role in environmental enhancement, predator control as well as building connections to our places and our past. Working together we can better align and coordinate these projects, and leverage funding to achieve greater outcomes for our communities.”

Mr Meehan said that the Alliance is a demonstration of the strong relationship built up between regional leaders on the West Coast, one that is becoming well recognised in Wellington.

“We have our act together on the West Coast, and enriching our untamed natural wilderness by accessing funding from central government will continue to add value to our region.” There are likely to be a number of businesses that see opportunities in this space said Mr Meehan.

“We encourage you to keep talking to your usual contacts at the Department of Conservation, Development West Coast, the Regional Council or with the Runanga to discuss these as we pull together those that will best meet the various funding criteria out there."