Otago Regional Councillor Chanel Gardner says the fund plays a key role in supporting partnerships throughout Otago to protect and enhance the region’s environment.

“There’s been strong interest since applications opened on 16 March, reflecting the passion people have for caring for their local environments,” Cr Gardner says.

“Whether you're restoring biodiversity, protecting land, or empowering your community, the ECO Fund is a chance to turn your ideas into lasting impact and nurture a legacy that matters for generations to come.”

With a total of $919,800 available, spread across six categories, the ECO Fund supports projects that deliver environmental benefits.

Funding ranges from $51,100 to $306,600 across the following categories:

• Scaling up for biodiversity — up to $306,600.
• General — total funding up to $306,600.
• Sustained rabbit management incentives — up to $102,200.
• Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land — up to $102,200.
• Hill country erosion management — up to $51,100.
• Weed removal and revegetation — up to $51,100.

Cr Gardner says applicants should review this year’s updated requirements before applying.

“It's also a really good plan to speak to council staff about your project before lodging an application as they are here to help,” says Cr Gardner.

Find everything you need to know — including a recording of our 2026 ECO Fund webinar — at orc.govt.nz/ecofund or call or email to talk through your idea at ecofund@orc.govt.nz or 0800 474 082.

The process

ECO Fund applications close on 19 April. A staff panel will assess eligibility and score the applications before an assessment panel — including councillors and a mana whenua representative — reviews applications. Final decisions will be made by Council in June, with applicants notified in July.

Background

Established in July 2018, ORC's ECO Fund supports work that protects, enhances, and promotes Otago's environment to enable iwi, communities’, and private landowners' environmental activities. An annual review process occurs, to set up the funding categories for each year which align with Council's strategic directions.

Since 2018, the ECO fund has supported 194 projects from 420 applications, distributing just over $3.64 million (out of $10.45 million requested) across 11 application rounds. Each round has averaged 38 applications and has been oversubscribed by an average of 300%.