Trust Wants to Increase Flow of Funds for Would-Be Eco Warriors

By DYKES, Mervyn

The Palmerston North City Environmental Trust is on the lookout for groups or individuals needing support with projects designed to improve the natural and landscaped environment in the city and surrounding areas.

“Right now we have funds available to make small grants and we are interested in hearing from people,” says trust chairman Terry Kelly.

“In the past we have dealt a lot with school and church groups. For example, one of our most recent grants helped a group known as YES – Youth Environmental Students – hire a bus to get to Tangimoana where they worked on a DOC (Department of Conservation) planting project. We have also helped sponsor the Environmental Film Festival.

“Usually there is a steady stream of applications, but for some reason things have slowed up right now.”

The trust works through a group of up to 12 trustees with a variety of skills and expertise, but a common passion for the environment.

“We meet monthly (except December) and support environmental efforts throughout the region with small grants and advice, keep a watchful eye on the environment, and advocate for the environment in political processes,” Mr Terry said. Grants typically range from $100 to $1000, but occasionally go larger.

Inquiries about grants or membership can be made through the website http://environmentnetwork.org.nz/37.html, or by writing to PO Box 1271 Palmerston North.

(c) 2007 Evening Standard; Palmerston North, New Zealand. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.