Environmental Management Fund Guidelines.

Eligibility.

Applications are welcome from individuals or organisations who reside or operate within the Selwyn Waihora catchment and who own, occupy, or manage land in the area.

You do not need to be a Central Plains Water Limited (CPWL) shareholder to apply; however, preference may be given to CPWL shareholders where applications are otherwise comparable.

Eligible applicants include:

• Private landowners;
• Community organisations;
• Local, regional, and national umbrella groups.

Funding priority will be given to projects that contribute to one or more of the following initiatives:

• Water quality: planting initiatives that enhance water quality in rivers, wetlands, streams, and other aquatic habitats;
• Green infrastructure: initiatives that strengthen ecological or wildlife corridors;
• Cultural restoration and preservation: projects that protect or enhance ecosystems critical to endangered species and habitats, or
• Community engagement and education: initiatives that inspire and enable community involvement, particularly among younger generations.

Submission.

Applications may be submitted at any time and close on 30 June each year. Applications received after this date will be considered in the following year’s funding round.

Applications can be submitted:

• Electronically via the online application form, or
• As a hard copy posted to Central Plains Water Limited.

Assessment Process.

An independent Environmental Management Fund (EMF) Committee assesses all applications using defined evaluation criteria. The Committee meets once every 12 months, typically one to two weeks after applications close, to review and assess all proposals.

Key considerations include alignment with biodiversity enhancement and environmental management objectives. On average, the EMF has approximately $80,000–$90,000 available for allocation each year, with funding distributed across approved projects at the Committee’s discretion.

Interviews and Site Visits.

Applicants may be invited to participate in an interview, and the Committee may request site visits to gain a clearer understanding of proposed projects.

Notification.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome within six weeks of the annual Committee meeting. Successful applicants will receive instructions from CPWL outlining the funding claim process. If approved funding is not received within three months of the advised timeframe, applicants are encouraged to contact CPWL.

The Committee reserves the right to accept or decline applications, and all decisions are final.

Post-approval Requirements.

Successful applicants must comply with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement, including requirements to report on project progress, outcomes and key results.

Post-submission Documentation.

By submitting an application, applicants agree to CPWL using project‑related photographs for educational and promotional purposes, including use in publications, presentations, and on the CPWL website. Participation in case studies is voluntary but strongly encouraged to help showcase project outcomes and inspire others. A separate consent form detailing the use of images and participation in case studies will be provided upon project approval to ensure transparency and respect for participant preferences.