Apply for the Kaitiaki Grant 

The Kaitiaki Grant is available to support initiatives and small projects that build capacity and capability within iwi, hapū or Māori land trusts. Applications opened 1 July 2025 and can be submitted throughout the financial year. Projects can apply for up to $5000 and is open to iwi, hapū and Māori land trusts.

Examples of activities:

• Contribution to wānanga that support hapū/iwi engagement in Council kaupapa
• Seed funding to scope a project / strategy
• Support with taiao training initiatives 
• Reconnection back to the Taiao through site visits
• Support existing Taiao projects that achieves the Fund’s purpose
• Supports rangatahi in the taiao

Applications for implementation costs will not be considered (capital purchases, equipment, plants etc). 

For more information, please contact He Ara Taituarā Fund coordinator, Margaret Courtney 

Te Rautaki Wai ki Tarawera 

The submission period is now open for Te Rautaki Wai Ki Tarawera – Restoring Te Mauri o Tarawera Awa ki Te Awa o Te Atua.

This important Strategy Document sets out the vision, aspirations and objectives for the restoration and wellbeing of our Tarawera River, and gives effect to the Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Act 2022.

Submissions are now open and close on Monday 25 May 2026, 4pm.

Hard copies are available at:

• Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust (Matatā)
• Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa (Whakatāne)
• Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai (Kawerau)
• Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa (Rotorua)
• Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (Whakarewarewa)
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices
• Whakatāne, Kawerau & Rotorua District Council offices

Make a submission:

• Online via tarawera.org.nz
• Email: restoringtarawera@gmail.com
• Post: C/- Bay of Plenty Regional Council, PO Box 364, Whakatāne 3158

If you would like a hard copy, please email restoringtarawera@gmail.com

Long Term Plan Amendment and Annual Plan Consultation update

Consultation on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long-Term Plan Amendment received 277 submissions.

The consultation was held from 25 February to 2 April and invited feedback on proposed changes to the Council’s investment portfolio (valued at over $3 billion), as well as two key focus areas: establishing a regional infrastructure fund and future investment in indigenous biodiversity.

Hearings were held across the rohe in late April and deliberations will be held 20th May. Final decisions are expected in June 2026.

Council Chair Matemoana McDonald acknowledged the thoughtful input from the community and emphasised that strong participation supports informed decision-making and long-term regional wellbeing.

Tell us in our Bay Say Survey

Seen something that looks wrong in your local environment and not sure what to do? 

Maybe it’s:  

• Dirty water that’s usually clean  
• A digger operating in a stream or wetland 
• Thick smoke or strong chemical smells. 

The Pollution Hotline is there for situations like these, but not everyone knows when or how to use it. 

Take our Bay Say survey and tell us what you’d report, how you’d report it, and what would make it easier. 

Every survey goes in the draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card. 

Update your contact details with us