‘Gap filling’ grants made to local conservation projects
A ‘gap-filler’ conservation fund established at Momentum Waikato by a local philanthropic couple has made its first round of grants towards predator control and restoration planting projects across the region.
The Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund was kickstarted by a significant donation by Dianne and Selwyn June in 2021, and then boosted by a donation from the estate of the late John and Bunny Mortimer, who established the Taitua Arboretum.
The new Conservation Fund welcomes public donations that will grow the ongoing investment income it uses to support conservation work by voluntary groups and landowners.
“From what we’ve seen, it is the small things that need reliable funding. For instance, they might need to buy some bait stations, perhaps send some attendees on a first aid course, or buy safety gear” says Dianne.
Click 'Read More' to find out which groups received the first grants from the Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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90.9% Yes, it's fair
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8.2% No, it's unreasonable
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Only Geniuses Can Solve This Riddle— Are You One?
What is the longest single-syllable word in the English language?
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New series: Waikato Times joins small town council meetings to see democracy in action
Waitomo mayor John Roberston isn’t shy about his council’s savings and cost cutting track record, and if the latest Waitomo District Council meeting was anything to go by, he’s got plenty to crow about.
From cutting back on the small things, like a council building refresh, to saving millions on debt, Waitomo’s council would be one of only a handful to have reduced debt over the past few years.
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