Funding available to enhance Waipā heritage

Funding is now available to enhance and preserve the Waipā district’s diverse character.

The Waipā Heritage Fund was established in 2013 to assist with the preservation, enhancement and showcasing of the unique environmental and cultural heritage, diversity and history of the district.

Over $530,000 has been approved for projects in Waipā since the fund started. Funding can be used to assist with physical works to protect heritage buildings, objects, habitats, cultural or archaeological sites or natural vegetation throughout the district.

In the last funding round, the National Wetland Trust received $6,000 towards the development of an ethnobotany trail on Waipā District Council reserve land at the Rotopiko lake and wetland complex, near Ōhaupō.

The proposed walkway will have interpretation plaques linked to a selection of native plant species with local stories and artist impressions depicting the relationship between plants and mana whenua.

National Wetland Trust executive officer Karen Denyer said the trail would provide educational opportunities to increase cultural knowledge and understanding of the importance of wetlands to iwi.

“This project is about sharing the knowledge and stories of the connections between Ngāti Apakura and the native plant species that grow or have been re-introduced to Rotopiko as part of our Wetland Centre project.”

The Trust hopes to raise the balance of funds needed over the coming months, and invites the local community and businesses to support the project.

Council’s community services manager Sally Sheedy said Council was delighted to support community groups and individuals with the fund.

“Waipā has a great history of valuing what is on our doorstep by building connections with nature and local landmarks,” she said.

“With numerous community groups enabling our rich heritage, we are delighted to see this fund put to good use.”

The Heritage Fund carries an annual value of $70,000, with two funding rounds per year. This round closes on 30 June 2021.

Funds may also be used to help with obtaining specialist advice where appropriate. It is available to members of the community with an emphasis on protecting the district’s heritage value.

Interested applicants can find eligibility criteria and further information about the Waipā Heritage Fund at www.waipadc.govt.nz/heritagefund.