Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae has been awarded $197,685 to upgrade enclosures used in the captive breeding and management of the nationally endangered Whitaker’s skink.
The grant is part of $529,035 in Department of Conservation Community Fund support announced for two conservation projects across Kāpiti and Horowhenua.
Ngā Manu’s project is expected to attract a further $234,717 in cash and in-kind support from the reserve and its partners, taking the anticipated value of the work to more than $432,000.
The reserve has a long history of working with the Department of Conservation on breeding programmes for threatened native birds and reptiles. The new funding will strengthen its ability to breed and care for Whitaker’s skink, a species classified as Nationally Endangered.
Ōtaki MP Tim Costley said the funding recognised the practical conservation work being carried out locally.
“Ngā Manu does outstanding work protecting our most vulnerable native species,” says Mr Costley.
The second regional grant provides $331,350 to Wildlife Foxton Trust for pest and weed control at the Manawatū Estuary, a wetland of international importance. That project is expected to attract a further $844,500 in co-investment.
Together, the two grants are expected to support more than $1.6 million of conservation work across Kāpiti and Horowhenua.
The regional funding forms part of a nationwide $9.2 million allocation to 20 community-led projects through the 2026 DOC Community Fund. Successful applicants will now work with DOC to finalise funding agreements, with payments linked to delivery and expenditure milestones.