Pacific Development and Conservation Trust open for expressions of interest

8 March 2011

The Pacific Development and Conservation Trust is now receiving expressions of interest for the 2011 funding round.

The Trust’s vision is a peaceful, sustainable Pacific region where all cultures flourish and the natural environment is respected. Each year, the Trust makes grants to charitable projects benefiting New Zealand or South Pacific countries.

The Pacific Development and Conservation Trust was established in 1989 with money received from the French government in recognition of events surrounding the destruction of the Rainbow Warrior vessel.

Applying for funding is a two stage process. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest before 31 March 2011. These will be considered by the Advisory Trustees prior to a full project application being requested.

In 2010, the Trust made grants totalling $235,000 to 12 projects in New Zealand and throughout the South Pacific region.

The Awataha Marae received $20,000 for its Ka Whakahokia te Ngahere – Bringing the Forest to Life project with a focus on regenerating native plants, educating people about traditional use of the plants and attracting birdlife back to the area.

Oxfam will use its $55,000 grant to develop the Koli Demonstration Farm and Animal Bank in Papua New Guinea. It will work with a local organisation, Hela Community Care, to encourage economic sustainability for poor farmers.

With its grant of $9,500, the Besi Community Village Microhydro Project in the Solomon Islands will continue work on providing a sustainable electricity supply to a remote village in rural Malaita to facilitate small business development and reduce poverty and hunger.

To obtain an Expression of Interest form, or to learn more about the Trust, visit the Department of Internal Affairs’ website: www.dia.govt.nz (search for Pacific Development and Conservation Trust) or phone 0800 824 824.

Contact
Iona Wassilieff
Communications Advisor
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Phone 04 495 7299; mobile 027 524 6352
Email: iona.wassilieff@dia.govt.nz