Ngā Kairauhi Papa | Forever protected

Managing your covenant

Managing your covenant

Caring for protected land

Restoration information

The Stephenson Fund

Pest and weed control

Fencing

Tree maintenance around powerlines

The Auckland Council Fund

The Auckland Council Fund
for covenant enhancement

We are excited to announce that QEII is now accepting applications for the Auckland Council contestable fund.  This fund has been established with the kind support of Auckland Council. 

This fund is new for 2020 and is for enhancing biodiversity values in registered QEII covenants within the Auckland region. 

If you think your project may be eligible for funding based on the key information below, talk to your regional rep about your project and then download and submit an application form to:

Aucklandcouncilfund@qeii.org.nz

Auckland regional reps: Paul Goldsmith, Chris Floyd or Lynette Benson

Applications for the current round close on Monday the 31st of August 2020 at 5pm.

How much funding is available?

Grants ranging from $2,000 up to a maximum amount of $20,000 plus GST (if GST registered) are available to support landowners with the ongoing management and enhancement of their QEII covenants open space values.  

The Auckland Council Grant will fund up to 2/3 of the total project costs and at least a 1/3 financial or an in-kind contribution (i.e. your time) is required for all projects. 

For example, a $3,000 project will be funded $2,000 from the grant and a $1,000 (financial or in-kind) contribution from the applicant is required.  

Please note, Stephenson Fund funding cannot be used as a financial or other contribution.  

What are the funding criteria?

All project actions must be aligned with the purpose and objectives of the covenant deed and protect and enhance the covenants open space values.

Please note, you cannot apply for The Stephenson Fund and the Auckland Council Fund at the same time.

In addition, the projects actions must be:

  • Located within the Auckland region
  • In a registered QEII covenant
  • Priority work for the covenant (ask your local rep if uncertain)
  • Sustainable
  • Able to be completed within the next 12 months
  • Not required under a district, regional plan, or a condition on a resource consent

All projects will be assessed against a range of biodiversity criteria, which is listed below. Priority may be given to covenantors who have not previously received a grant from QEII over the last two years.

Stewardship/engagement: The extent to which a project will provide enhanced opportunities for stewardship or engagement, this can be direct with the covenantors, locally in the community or regionally.

Ecological enhancement: The extent to which a project will provide a direct positive impact on a rare or threatened species either locally or nationally, or the habitat for.

What types of projects are funded?

Projects that protect, restore, and manage a covenant’s open space values.

The objective of this fund is to:

  • Enhance or sustain open space values particularly biodiversity values in registered covenants within the Auckland region.
Examples of potential projects:
  • Pest animal and ecological weed control.
  • Fencing enhancements (for example, deer top-ups).
  • Revegetation (all plantings must be eco-sourced) for stream buffering or covenant buffering.
  • Infrastructure to support public access and awareness.
  • Specialist management advice

What are the timeframes?

The current funding round is open from: Friday the 31st of July until Monday the 31st of August 2020 at 5pm.

Applicants will be informed of the results by late October 2020.

How do I apply?

  1. Please discuss your project with your regional rep before applying.
  2. Download and fill out the funding application form here and submit to: Aucklandcouncilfund@qeii.org.nz

If you have any questions when filling out the application form, please contact the Fund administrators:
Aucklandcouncilfund@qeii.org.nz
0800 467 367

What supporting information does my application need?

Please discuss your project with your regional representative before applying. Applications will not be considered if the regional representative is not aware of the project.

For some projects, a quote would be beneficial and will greatly support your application.
Some examples where a quote is required:

  • A contractor is undertaking some of the project actions
  • Purchasing a product direct from a supplier (e.g. traps, plants, materials)

If you are undertaking native ecosourced planting, please provide a species list. Ecosourcing guidelines are available here.

How do I claim the funding?

To submit an invoice, you can either use our invoice template or use your own invoice.

All invoices must be for an approved project and be addressed to:

Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust
PO Box 3341
WELLINGTON 6140

Invoices must include:

  • Your name and contact details
  • Bank account number
  • Covenant reference number
  • Auckland Council fund grant number
  • GST number (if registered)
  • A description of what you are claiming for (associated receipts)
  • A record of your in-kind or financial contribution towards the project

How do I submit a final report?

You will need to download, complete, and submit a final report upon the completion of your project.

You can choose to use the template form on our website or feel free to use your own document.

All final reports must include: a summary of what the project achieved, any project receipts not yet submitted, a summary of the in-kind work undertaken, any other financial contributions and before and after photos.

Please note this information will be shared with Auckland Council who may choose to use this for their publicity purposes.

Questions?

Please talk to your regional rep for site-specific advice or to discuss whether your project might be eligible for funding. Find your local Representative here.