Rainbow Warrior fund opens

3/9/2004

An environmental and conservation fund set up as a result of the Rainbow Warrior incident in Auckland Harbour is open for applications.

The Pacific Development and Conservation Fund, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs, distributes around $320,000 a year to projects throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The Trust was set up with money the New Zealand Government received from France following the destruction of the Rainbow Warrior in 1986.

Twice a year it distributes money to New Zealand and South Pacific community groups and individuals for projects that enhance and conserve their environment and heritage, and promote peaceful sustainable development in the South Pacific.

In the past, the Trust has assisted efforts in New Zealand to re-establish the kiwi, the tuatara and other indigenous wildlife and plant species; paid for viewing platforms into areas of environmental significance; contributed towards producing conservation books and pamphlets, educational resource kits on pollution and marine life; contributed towards the study of freshwater eel habitats and helped eradicate pests and invasive species from reserves and sanctuaries.

In the South Pacific, the Trust has supported the voter education programme in the Solomon Islands, and provided scientific and communications equipment and educational material for environmental conservation projects.

Applications for the next funding round close mid September 2004.

Funding applications need to be made on an official application form, which can be obtained by contacting the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust, PO Box 805, Wellington, New Zealand, and downloaded from the website here: Pacific Development and Conservation Trust, or by e-mailing trusts@dia.govt.nz or telephone (+644) 495-9387.